When I was young, my husband died in an accident. I became a high-rise window cleaner, risking my neck daily, dangling hundreds of feet in the air, sacrificing everything to put my son through school. After thirty years of relentless work, I finally made it to the day before my son’s wedding. I’d planned for this to be my last job, a final hurrah before retirement. But as I was cleaning the hotel’s exterior, I glanced inside and saw a wedding taking place. It was my son, Justin, and his fiancée, Chloe. And standing beside the happy couple, acting as parents? My long-dead husband, Ben Carter, and my best friend of many years, Stella Vance! I rubbed my eyes hard, then looked again, straining to confirm. The man standing next to my son was undeniably my deadbeat husband, Ben Carter! His face wasn’t as young as I remembered, but I’d know that face anywhere, even from the grave! Yet, here he was, my supposedly dead husband, resurrected and standing on stage at my son’s wedding. He and Stella Vance were holding hands, gazing at each other with sickening sweetness. A whirlwind of confusion and raw emotion churned inside me. My hands trembling, I fumbled with the safety harness, unclipped myself, and practically clawed my way into the grand hall. The MC announced it was time for the groom’s speech. My son, Justin Carter, started with a heartfelt declaration of love for his fiancée, Chloe Thompson. Then, taking her hand, he turned to Ben Carter and Stella Vance. He dropped to one knee, declaring with deep emotion: “I, Justin Carter, wouldn’t be where I am today without the meticulous upbringing and guidance of my parents. Especially my mom, Stella, you worked so incredibly hard raising me. You truly deserve all our gratitude, and Chloe and I promise to take good care of you from now on!” Stella’s eyes welled up with tears, visibly moved. Ben took the microphone. “Justin Carter is the pride of our family, the embodiment of our love. Now that our son is married, we hope you two will cherish each other and stay devoted, just like Stella and I have.” Through the crowded hall, I watched this absurd scene, dumbfounded, my mind reeling, threatening to shatter into a million pieces. Who raised Justin Carter? Who was whose true love? For a moment, I wondered if these past years had all been nothing more than a nightmare. The guests below were visibly touched, infected by the father and son’s emotional speeches. Everyone envied Stella, who had such a wonderful husband and son. No one noticed me as I stumbled, then started walking, towards the stage. Chloe was the first to see me. Her eyes wide with shock, she whispered, “What’s Maya doing here?” The other three heard her and turned their heads to face me. I walked straight towards them. Stella’s face went pale, and she instinctively took a step back. Ben reflexively shielded her. I stared at Ben. “Someone tell me, what the hell is going on?” Justin nervously glanced at the audience below, then stepped forward, grabbing my sleeve. “Mom, I’ll explain everything later, but please, just leave for now…” He started to pull me off the stage. I violently shook him off, my voice sharp with fury. “Mom? Which one of you is my mom?” The audience gasped, their faces a mixture of surprise and confusion. Justin clapped a hand over my mouth, motioned for security to drag me off stage, then turned to the audience and apologized. “Folks, I apologize, but it seems some crazy woman is spouting nonsense!” With that, he had them escort me out. Once backstage, I furiously confronted Justin and Ben, demanding an explanation. Justin just ignored me. “Enough! I’m telling you today, in my heart, Stella Vance is the only mother I acknowledge!” “Just look at yourself, you’re a disgrace! Do you really think you belong with us?” “No wonder Ben preferred to fake his death rather than stay married to you!” The words hit me like a physical blow, stealing my breath. “That’s right, Stella is the only woman I’ve ever truly loved. We’ve been together for ages. My marriage to you? It was just because I pitied Stella, didn’t want her to suffer through childbirth.” Ben put an arm around Stella and stepped forward. “Since you know the truth now, let’s be frank. From now on, it’s Stella, Justin, and me. You have no part in our lives anymore.” “Ben…” Stella leaned against Ben, feigning fragility, but a smug, victorious smirk twisted her lips.

My eyes immediately fell on the familiar gold bracelet on Stella’s wrist. It was a gift I’d bought, scraping together every penny from my hard labor and even selling my own jewelry. Justin and I had gone from store to store, picking it out together. He had even promised to get me an even bigger and better one someday. “Why do you have that bracelet?” Justin said, righteous indignation in his voice, “It’s a gift I bought for Stella. Chloe approved of it.” My rage finally erupted. I lunged forward like a madwoman, trying to rip the bracelet off her wrist. “That bracelet is mine! Give it back!” Stella shrieked. Ben and Justin scrambled to surround her. In the ensuing struggle, someone shoved me, sending me tumbling out the window. I had dangled countless times from high altitudes, faced numerous emergencies, but my safety harness had always saved me. This time, there was no safety harness. The chilling reality of plummeting to my death finally hit me. I heard a sickening thud as the back of my head struck the ground. My consciousness faded… In the haze, scenes from the past thirty years flashed before my eyes. Ben had faked his death and had been living with Stella all along. And Ben’s parents, Jack and Sophie? They knew everything. I was the only one kept in the dark! When I opened my eyes again, I found myself thirty years in the past. I was at Ben’s funeral. His parents sat on the floor, wailing. “Oh, why are we so unlucky? Justin is so young; how will he live without his father?” I wiped away my tears and spoke calmly. “Don’t worry. I’ll raise Justin. You two can go back to your old house in the countryside.” The wailing stopped abruptly. Both of them stared at me, stunned. A cold, bitter laugh escaped my lips internally. Let’s see how they keep up their act now. If it weren’t for the memories I’d seen in my dying moments, I never would have known they were in on Ben’s fake death from the very beginning, deceiving me for all those years. In my previous life, I pitied the elderly couple, imagining them helpless and alone. I’d been talked into selling our house, giving them all the money for their retirement. I worked tirelessly, drifting from place to place, with no fixed home. Meanwhile, they turned around and gave that money to Ben, allowing him and Stella to buy another house. This time, they wouldn’t get a single dime from me! Jack, Ben’s father, looked displeased. “You just lost your job. You can barely support yourself. How will you raise a child?” I seized the opportunity to respond. “You’re right, it’s tough right now. Perhaps Justin should stay with you in the countryside for a while. Once I find a stable job, I’ll bring him back. Does that work?” Sophie, Ben’s mother, looked at me with feigned sympathy. “Even if you get a job, you can’t care for a child alone. Why don’t you sell the house first? Your livelihood is more important…” If I didn’t know the truth, I might actually believe she was concerned for me. I feigned surprise, a hurt expression on my face. “This house is the only thing Ben left behind, a keepsake. Besides, it’s meant for Justin someday. How could I sell it? Justin, don’t you agree?” Justin had always been self-serving, even as a child. He was only eight years old now, too young to understand all the hidden agendas. What he was thinking was written all over his face. My words provoked him, and just as I expected, he became agitated. “This is what Dad left for me! You can’t sell it!” He threw a tantrum on the floor, crying loudly. Jack and Sophie, having no choice, had to humor their precious grandson and dropped the subject of selling the house. After the funeral, they took Justin back to the countryside. I quickly took Ben’s death certificate, transferred the house deed into my name, and then went to the government to officially revoke his identity and household registration. In my previous life, consumed by grief for Ben, I’d delayed revoking his documents and eventually forgot about it. The result? I never discovered he was alive, allowing him to live a lavish life for years. He liked to play dead, didn’t he? Well, I’d make him truly dead to society!

A few days later, Stella Vance came to see me. In my previous life, she’d pretended to be my kindhearted best friend, offering comfort to the grieving widow. All the while, she was in cahoots with my husband, conspiring to deceive me. I bet they’d been making a fool out of me the entire time. Just like now, Stella put on a show of sympathy. “It’s been so long, Maya. I can’t believe this happened. It’s such a tragedy.” I replied blandly, “It’s in the past. I’m not one to dwell in sorrow.” Stella feigned delight, grasping my hand. “That’s good. I was worried you wouldn’t be able to move on.” My eyes immediately recognized the familiar ring on her finger. I had seen an identical ring in Ben’s bag shortly before he “died.” At the time, he’d sworn it was a surprise for our wedding anniversary. In my previous life, after his death, the ring had vanished. Later, when I saw a similar ring on Stella’s hand, I’d been overcome with emotion and mourned all over again. Now, everything was clear. I pretended to notice it by accident. “Your ring is beautiful, but it looks… familiar.” Hearing this, Stella’s expression became flustered. “It-it’s a gift from my boyfriend.” “Your boyfriend is very sweet. I hope I can find a good boyfriend who treats me well too.” Stella looked stunned. “What boyfriend?” I smiled. “One has to move forward, you know. I can’t stay single forever, can I?” As expected, Stella became frantic. “You’re thinking of remarrying? What about Justin? How could you do that to Ben’s memory?” Watching her anxious face, I almost burst out laughing. Of course, she’d be anxious. If I remarried, who would be their cash cow, feeding this family of vampires? Seeing that I wasn’t joking, Stella’s face changed drastically, and she hurried away. Soon after, Sophie’s call came through, and she immediately launched into a furious tirade. “Maya, Ben hasn’t even been gone that long, and you’re already thinking of abandoning your husband and child? Do you even have the decency to face your son?” Then I heard Justin’s tearful voice from the other end. “Mommy, I want Mommy! I don’t want Mommy to marry someone else!” I asked Sophie to put Justin on the phone. Sophie, thinking I’d softened, quickly handed the phone to him. I feigned remorse. “Sweetie, Mommy is useless. I can’t even support myself, so I have to marry someone else. What can I do? Your daddy is dead, after all. This won’t be your home anymore, but I’ll still visit you sometimes…” Justin yelled into the phone, “Mommy, don’t marry anyone else! Daddy isn’t dead! He’s alive and well!” Before he could finish, Sophie snatched the phone back. “The child’s babbling nonsense, don’t take him seriously!” She hung up immediately. I didn’t bother with it. I packed my things and went to a party. Thanks to this house, many people seemed interested in me, the “widow.” A few days later, while I was having dinner with a guy a relative had set me up with, a man suddenly stormed in, enraged. “Maya, that’s enough! Stop making a scene and come home with me!” I cast a sidelong glance at Ben Carter, but said nothing. It was Leo Miller, the man across from me, who stood up. “Excuse me, who are you? Is there a problem?” Ben’s rage turned into a sneer. “I’m her husband! She’s my wife! Our marital affairs are none of your business!” Leo was amused. He turned to me. “Didn’t you tell me you were a widow? What, did your ex-husband just rise from the dead?” I replied calmly, “I don’t know him. My husband died years ago, and his identity has been officially revoked.”

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During a zombie clearing mission, I got infected protecting my team. My girlfriend, Chloe, who was also our captain, used “fairness” as an excuse to give the only antidote to a team member who’d snuck out and gotten infected. Her eyes red, she promised me: “Alex, trust me. I’ll find an antidote for you within the three-day incubation period.” I gritted my teeth against the searing pain burning inside me and nodded. The next day, she actually did bring back an antidote. But just a second before the serum could be injected into my veins, Brandon, a team member who’d never even left the camp, suddenly frowned. “Chloe, my head hurts so bad… I’m so scared I might be infected.” Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Chloe didn’t hesitate. She handed that antidote to Brandon. “Brandon is a team member. If something happens to him, it means I’m an incompetent captain.” “Alex, you’re the deputy captain, and my boyfriend. For the sake of fairness, I have to give the medicine to Brandon.” I saw the flicker of triumph in Brandon’s eyes and Chloe’s unyielding expression. I almost laughed–a bitter, furious laugh. For fairness? Fine. She’ll soon realize she’s nothing without me.

Chloe didn’t even spare me a glance as she handed Brandon the antidote. “Brandon, the antidote is for you first.” Her tone was as casual as if she were handing him a bottle of water. Brandon took the antidote, a flicker of unconcealed triumph in his eyes. Chloe then handed me a small bottle of cloudy, transparent liquid. She avoided my gaze. “It’s a suppressor. It’ll buy you some more time.” That cheap suppressor was utterly useless for an infection of my severity. My voice was eerily calm. “You know this won’t help me.” Chloe’s eyes darted away, and she frowned. “Alex, don’t be dramatic. Brandon is weak. What if he really is infected…” I cut her off with a cold laugh. “He hasn’t been on a single mission since joining the team, and he has no wounds. How could he possibly be infected?” Chloe’s voice rose. “That’s just on the surface!” “You know the zombie virus has a three-day incubation period! As captain, I have to be responsible for every team member!” “You’re my boyfriend, and the deputy captain. If I give the medicine to you and not him, what will the other team members think of me? How can I lead this team? I have to be fair!” Always the same excuse. The gray-white veins on my right arm were slowly creeping towards my shoulder, and the burning sensation under my skin was growing more intense with each passing moment. I stared at her, taking a deep, ragged breath. “So, my life is less important than your authority? You’re just trying to fob me off with this pathetic suppressor?” Chloe’s face shifted. “What kind of talk is that? I promised I’d go to the West District Research Facility tomorrow and bring back an antidote!” “Can’t you just trust me one more time?” Before the apocalypse, in military academy, Chloe and I were the perfect team. She commanded, I charged. She made the plans, I executed the details. Everyone said we were meant to be. On graduation day, she told me on the training grounds: “Alex, you can trust me completely for the rest of your life.” After the apocalypse hit, I helped her build our survivor squad, willingly taking the role of deputy. I let her take all the credit, and I took all the risks. Three years. The team grew from seven to over forty. She became Captain Chloe, revered by everyone. And what did I get in return? A litany of “fairness,” an endless “next time.” If my powers hadn’t vanished after getting infected, leaving me zombie bait outside, I’d never rely on her to find an antidote. I felt a deep weariness. “This isn’t the first time you’ve promised.” She grabbed my hand, her eyes pleading. “This time, I swear!” “Just like every mission before, when you trusted me with your back. Alex, trust me one last time.” I looked at that hand, the one that used to tightly grip mine through hails of bullets, and heard myself say: “Fine. One last time.” Chloe visibly relaxed. “You go get some rest. I’ll arrange tomorrow’s team and route. Everything will be fine tomorrow.” I turned and left, without looking back. As soon as I stepped outside, I heard Brandon’s hushed voice: “Chloe, he was so scary just now. What if he’s already…” Chloe’s tone was soothing. “Don’t be scared, he’ll be fine for now.” Back in the isolation room, I leaned against the wall and slid to the floor. The burning sensation in my right arm grew steadily worse. This was my second day infected with the zombie virus. According to the usual infection progression, I should be showing early signs of muscle rigidity and sensory degradation by now. But I wasn’t. Apart from the burning and occasional sharp pangs, my mind was unnervingly clear. The strangest thing was, I felt something awakening inside me. From the distant ruins, zombie roars echoed, rising and falling. That wasn’t the sound of a small horde. The camp’s outer defenses, without my powers to reinforce them, wouldn’t hold for long. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. Tomorrow would be the third day. Chloe, this is the last chance I’m giving you.

The moment dawn broke, I burst out of the isolation room. The gray-white veins on my right arm now covered half my shoulder. Overnight, the stench of decay in the air seemed to have thickened. I could feel the zombies closing in. Without my primary combat strength, the camp would fall, sooner or later. Chloe’s room door was ajar. I pushed it open. And froze. Chloe was curled up on a simple cot, and Brandon was lying beside her, both covered by the same blanket. Brandon’s arm was around Chloe’s waist, and she was nestled in his embrace, sleeping soundly. My mind went blank for three seconds. Then it exploded. “Chloe!” I roared, then charged in, yanking Brandon up and slamming my fist into his face. Brandon shrieked, tumbled off the bed, and his nose instantly gushed blood. Chloe jolted awake, her face turning ashen at the sight. “Alex! What are you doing?!” I pointed at Brandon, my voice trembling. “What am I doing?” “You’re asking me what I’m doing?! Chloe, look at what you two are doing!” Brandon scrambled up, clutching his face, and hid behind Chloe. “I just… last night, I suddenly had symptoms of infection, and I was scared, so I came to talk to the captain about the antidote…” I laughed, a humorless sound. “And that required you to be in the same bed? To be hugging someone else’s girlfriend?” Chloe shielded Brandon, her eyes showing a flicker of panic, but mostly anger. “Alex, that’s enough! Brandon did show early infection symptoms last night. Is it wrong for me, as captain, to look after a team member?” “We didn’t do anything!” I stared at her disheveled collar. “Chloe, do you take me for a fool?” Chloe’s voice suddenly sharpened. “Look at yourself right now! Paranoid, impulsive, violent! Do you even remember you’re the deputy captain?!” I froze. I remembered, before the apocalypse, in the military academy infirmary. I’d pushed myself too hard in training, aggravating an old injury, and spiked a fever of 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Chloe skipped an entire afternoon of classes, staying by my bedside, changing my compresses, giving me water, finally falling asleep curled up beside my bed. When she woke, she said: “Alex, if you dare die before me, I’ll chase you to hell and beat you back to life.” Back then, her eyes held tenderness, and the raw fear of losing me. Now? She looked at me, her eyes icy. “Today’s mission is crucial. I don’t have time to argue with you. Brandon, prepare to move out.” Brandon immediately nodded, wiping the blood from his nose as he walked out. As he passed me, he shot me a triumphant, taunting look. I grabbed Chloe’s wrist. “You’re taking him?” Chloe pulled her arm away. “He knows the West District terrain.” “Alex, in your current state, how can I trust you with the team?” “You just wait here at camp. I’ll bring back the antidote.” She adjusted her gear and left without a backward glance. I stood rooted to the spot, looking at the empty room, at the blanket still warm with their body heat. The power within me suddenly surged violently, and the gray-white veins instantly spread to my chest. My skin felt like it was tearing apart, the burning sensation threatening to consume me. But I held on. I clenched my fists, my nails digging deep into my palms, blood dripping from between my fingers. Chloe, you chose him again. Then this is where we end. I stumbled back to the isolation room, leaning against the wall, gasping for air. I was now absolutely certain this infection was not normal. From outside the window, I heard the sound of an engine starting. I walked to the window and saw three modified SUVs drive out of the camp gate. Chloe sat in the passenger seat of the lead vehicle. Brandon was next to her in the back. Brandon leaned over, talking to Chloe. She laughed – a relaxed, unguarded laugh. It had been a long time since I’d seen her laugh like that. The convoy disappeared at the end of the ruins. I closed my eyes. Chloe, if you don’t return before sunset today, You will regret your choice today.

I endured the burning pain and waited until nightfall. Whispers spread that unusual, large-scale zombie movements had been sighted. And I could only watch, helplessly, hoping Chloe would bring back the antidote soon. The sun dipped below the horizon, and scattered emergency lights flickered on in the camp. Finally, engine roars echoed from the distance. Three vehicles, not one missing. My heart pounded. She was back. I rushed downstairs, hurrying to the center of the camp. The car doors opened. Chloe was the first to jump out, then the other team members, and finally, Brandon. My gaze was fixed on their hands. Chloe’s hands were empty. Brandon’s were too. Team members unloaded several supply crates, but there was no antidote. My breath hitched. “Where’s the antidote?” My voice sounded raw, barely a whisper. The area instantly fell silent. Chloe’s eyes flickered, then she avoided my gaze. “The antidote… we… we found it.” My heart lifted. She bit her lip. “But on the way back, we ran into a zombie horde. Brandon, protecting the supply vehicle, accidentally got scratched.” “It was an emergency, so I had to use the antidote on him first.” I looked at Brandon. He immediately raised his bandaged hand, a look of profound guilt on his face. “Alex, I’m so sorry, I really didn’t mean to…” “Which hand?” I asked. Brandon froze. “Wh-what?” I took a step closer. “How deep is the wound? How much blood did you lose?” “Are there any signs of infection?” Brandon’s eyes darted frantically to Chloe. Chloe stepped in front of Brandon. “Alex! He’s already hurt, and you’re still interrogating him?” I ripped open my collar, revealing the gray-white veins that now covered my chest. “Chloe, look at me. I can barely last until midnight.” “And your ‘injured’ Brandon? His voice is strong, his eyes are clear. Does that look like an infection?” Several team members lowered their heads. Marcus, a team member, muttered quietly, “Actually, Brandon could have easily dodged that…” “Marcus!” Chloe snapped, sharply. But it was too late. I understood everything. Brandon did it on purpose. Chloe had given the antidote to him again, choosing Brandon once more, right in front of the entire team. I spoke softly. “Chloe, you abandoned me for him again.” Chloe’s face went white. “I didn’t abandon you! I just…” I smiled, a tired, bitter smile, and spoke softly, my exhaustion overriding my anger. “Just because, as captain, you have to be responsible for every team member? Just because you have to be fair?” “Or is it just that I was never truly in your heart at all?” She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Brandon grabbed her arm. “Chloe, does Alex not believe me? I really am infected, look…” He made to remove his bandage. Chloe pressed his hand down. “Don’t move!” Then she turned to me, her eyes filled with disappointment. “Alex, you disappoint me so much. Brandon is a team member, he was hurt. Was I wrong to save him?” “Were you expecting me to just let him die before you’d be satisfied?” “Exactly. You did the right thing. A captain should be like that. Fair. Just.” Chloe stared at me, dumbfounded. I watched her protect Brandon, watched Brandon’s triumphant sneer from behind her, watched the other team members’ glances – some pitying, some evasive. The power within me suddenly thrashed. But I held it back. I continued, my voice flat, like stagnant water. “So, now that this ‘team member’ is about to turn, Captain, how do you plan to take responsibility?” A deathly silence fell over the camp. All eyes were on Chloe. Her face cycled through several emotions, finally settling on a grim resolve as she gritted her teeth. “I’ll keep looking. There’s another one in the North District…” “Too late,” I cut her off. She fell silent. Brandon spoke softly, just loud enough for everyone to hear. “Chloe, Alex is too dangerous like this. What if he suddenly turns…” Chloe’s body stiffened. I looked into her eyes, those eyes that once held so much love, now filled with struggle and hesitation. The power within me surged again. This time, I could barely suppress it.

“Alex.” Chloe finally spoke, her voice dry and raspy. She straightened her spine. “You’re the deputy captain. You know the rules.” “Before an infected person turns, they must leave the camp. Or… the captain must deal with them personally.” Deal with them personally. Those three words, spoken so lightly, felt like daggers piercing my heart. The surrounding team members stirred uneasily. Some turned away, unable to watch. Some quietly stepped back. Others had already rested their hands on their weapons. Brandon, pressing close to Chloe, whispered, “Chloe, you have to think about the whole team… Alex, in this state, what if he really suddenly…” “You shut up,” I snapped, staring at him. Brandon flinched, shrinking further behind Chloe. Chloe took a deep breath. “I’ll give you a choice. First, leave now.” “Second,” her hand moved to the dagger at her waist, “I’ll help you.” Help me die. I looked at the hand gripping the dagger, the same hand that once led me down the military academy’s tree-lined avenues, the hand that had clung to mine relentlessly on the first night of the apocalypse. Now, it wanted to end me. The power within me surged wildly, the gray-white veins spreading to cover half my face. I took a deep breath, the pain inside me sharpening my focus. “I choose option one. I’ll leave.” My voice was so calm, it even surprised me. Chloe visibly deflated with relief. But Brandon spoke up again, his voice a little louder this time. “Chloe, you can’t just let him go like that! His gear, his supplies—they all belong to the team! What if he takes all that stuff and the zombies get it…” Chloe frowned. “Brandon! That’s enough!” Brandon raised his voice. “I’m just stating facts!” “He’s not the deputy captain anymore, he’s an infected! How can team resources be given to an infected person to take away?” A few team members exchanged glances. Some nodded, some shook their heads. Just then, a short, shrill scream ripped through the air from the camp’s outer perimeter. Everyone looked towards the sound, panic flashing in their eyes. Chloe immediately dispatched a few team members to investigate. Then, she looked at me, her gaze complicated, and spoke with difficulty. “Alex, your gear… it has to stay.” I laughed. Laughed until tears welled in my eyes. I nodded. “Fine. Take it all.” I started to unequip. Tactical vest, combat knife, backpack, food, water. Each piece, I tossed to the ground. The clatter of metal on the ground was jarring in the silence. Chloe turned her face away, unable to look at me. Brandon’s eyes, however, gleamed, fixated on the pile of gear like a hungry wolf on meat. When I was done, I was left with only a standard combat uniform. “Is that enough?” I asked. Chloe’s lips trembled, but she couldn’t speak. Brandon chimed in quickly. “Yes, plenty! Chloe, just let him go!” Chloe finally looked at me, something flickering in her eyes. “Alex, I’m sorry, but I have to…” I cut her off. “Don’t bother. From today on, we’re even. We’re done.” “Chloe, you’d better start thinking about how you’re going to manage your camp and your team without me!” Her body stiffened. I didn’t look at her, or anyone else. I turned and walked towards the camp gate. The gray-white veins had already spread to my left cheek. The power within me was thrashing wildly, threatening to tear me apart. Every step felt like walking on razor blades, but I walked straight, without looking back. Behind me, I heard Brandon’s excited voice. “Chloe, this gear can be redistributed now…” Then Chloe’s choked, furious command: “Shut up!” I walked out of the camp and entered a section of ruins I’d observed to be relatively safe these past few days. The power within me could no longer be suppressed. It erupted with a roar. Excruciating pain tore through every fiber of my being, like my bones were being shattered and then reassembled. I collapsed, curling into a tight ball on the ground. The gray-white veins writhed wildly beneath my skin. Everywhere they spread, my skin cracked, oozed blood, scabbed over, and then cracked open again. Zombie roars echoed from the distance, drawing closer and closer. But I couldn’t move. My consciousness was slipping, my body burning. Chloe, Brandon, I’ll be waiting for the day you come begging to me. Then, I fell into boundless darkness.

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Our pack of shifters, we all suffer from a strange, burning hunger. If we don’t find our true mate by the age of eighteen, we’re plunged into an endless heat cycle. Last month, I turned eighteen. But tragically, I searched every corner of our pack and couldn’t find my mate. Almost every night, I could catch the potent scent of my cousin, Diana, and her mate, Zephyr, making love. It was pure torment! Slowly, I began to fantasize about Zephyr’s touch, his kisses, even the thrill of his fangs sinking into my skin. Then came that trip back to her parents’ home with Diana, the train rattling through the wilderness. In the dead of night, Zephyr actually pinned me beneath him, his blazing Alpha scent consuming me instantly… It was Christmas Eve when Diana invited me to her family’s place. Only when we got to the station did I realize her partner, Zephyr, was coming along to meet her parents too. My mouth fell open slightly. Zephyr was a solid six-foot-three, his powerful Alpha physique radiating an almost suffocating presence. His gaze landed on me, scrutinizing, laced with a raw, primal interest. I knew exactly how I looked. As an Omega, I’d developed faster than others my age. Tonight, the V-neck top I wore showed off my curves unmistakably. My short skirt felt almost nonexistent, leaving me utterly exposed before such a powerful male. He stood behind me, his gaze like a physical touch, burning my skin. It dawned on me, a little too late, that with his superior height and senses, I probably couldn’t hide a thing. I instinctively pulled my top closer, my cheeks flushing. He subtly shifted his eyes, then offered to grab some supplies for the journey. Watching him walk away, his steps—the gait of a top predator—were full of power and control. I couldn’t help but whisper to Diana, “I heard… Alpha mates have to endure incredibly strong… physical needs. Is that true?” A flush spread across Diana’s face, mixed with a hint of fatigue. “Absolutely. Zephyr’s strength and possessiveness are beyond ordinary. Every coupling feels like a conquest.” She lowered her voice, a touch of boastfulness in it. “His physique… it’s far beyond a regular Alpha.” I gasped. My heat-driven instincts made me shiver with both fear and curiosity. To be pinned beneath a being like that… My gaze involuntarily tracked Zephyr. Even when he simply walked, the Alpha’s oppressive aura hit me in waves. They say Alphas are completely different when aroused… I secretly imagined his potential size, and my legs instantly felt weak. Such a powerful presence… what would it feel like to be beneath him? Diana had mentioned Zephyr’s needs were incredibly intense. No wonder every time I saw her, she carried the scent of deep satisfaction, mingled with exhaustion. Lost in thought, Diana leaned in, winking. “You haven’t found your mate yet, have you, Selene? Want to… experience the difference of a top Alpha?” My breath hitched, and I bit my lip, my heart pounding like a drum with my heat’s insistent urges. “Diana! Don’t joke like that!” But when I looked up, I caught Zephyr’s eyes. At the words “haven’t found your mate,” a flash of intense, predatory darkness crossed his gaze. Finally, we boarded the train. Diana had booked a private sleeper cabin. It was just the three of us in this section, a curtain at the entrance providing some privacy. She and Zephyr lay on the opposite berth. Diana leaned against him, scrolling through her phone, while Zephyr’s hand roamed freely over her waist and back—a possessive gesture from an Alpha to his claimed mate.

The sight made my cheeks burn, and I ducked my head, staring at my phone to hide my embarrassment. Yet my gaze kept drifting, drawn irresistibly to them. Diana wore a tight purple dress today, outlining her powerful curves perfectly. In barely ten minutes, I’d already seen Zephyr’s hand disappear under her skirt multiple times. When he withdrew it, his fingertips gleamed with a slick dampness. Diana’s cheeks were flushed, and she murmured softly, “Selene’s still here…” Night deepened, and most passengers in the cabin were asleep. The attendant dimmed the lights, and Diana, without hesitation, straddled Zephyr’s waist, pulling him into a deep kiss. I unconsciously licked my dry lips, my thoughts a tangled mess. Eventually, sleep overpowered my racing mind, and I fell into a deep slumber. I didn’t know how much time had passed when Diana’s voice woke me. Opening my eyes, I saw the overhead lights were on again. Diana gave me a playful wink. “Selene, are you hungry? Could you grab us three meals from the dining car?” I glanced at the undeniable bulge between Zephyr’s legs and instantly understood. “Okay,” I mumbled. As soon as I climbed down from my berth and left the compartment, Diana’s muffled moans reached my ears. To give them ample time, I deliberately ate my meal in the dining car before returning. But as I lifted the edge of the curtain, I saw Diana still rising and falling on Zephyr. They were too engrossed, completely unaware of me outside the curtain. I instinctively took a step back, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away. The blush-inducing sight made my mouth gape unconsciously. Such a position actually existed… My legs felt weak, and I slid down, leaning against the partition, unconsciously rubbing my knees in time with the faint rhythm emanating from within. About fifteen minutes later, the sounds inside finally quieted. I took a deep breath, lifted the curtain, and stepped in. My foot caught on something, and I stumbled, sending all the meal boxes in my hand crashing onto my berth. A strong arm quickly steadied my waist. I looked up, directly into Zephyr’s close proximity—the barely concealed evidence of his arousal beneath his bathrobe swayed with the rocking of the train. My entire face instantly flushed crimson. Diana quickly came over, carrying the faint musky scent of their lovemaking. “It’s fine, you can sleep with us for a bit, we’ll be there soon anyway.” “Huh?” My heart gave a sudden leap, but my mind uncontrollably flashed back to the glimpse I’d caught of Zephyr’s size. A secret anticipation stirred within me. Diana leaned closer, her breath still carrying the lingering scent of their intimacy. “Zephyr and I have a double berth, it’s wide enough. Three people can fit.” Looking at my messy bed, I bit my lip. “…Alright.” I had intended to sleep on the outer side, next to Diana, but she insisted I sleep in the middle, saying both of them got hot easily. I had no choice but to compromise. Zephyr was tall, his muscles well-defined. Only after all three of us lay down did I truly feel the crampedness of the middle position. I lay with my back to Zephyr, his solid chest continuously brushing against my spine with the train’s movement. Never having been this close to a male, I gradually felt my body heating up from his touch. These past few years, busy with work, I’d never had a partner. This was truly my first close contact with an Alpha. Diana, perhaps having expended too much energy earlier, fell into a deep sleep shortly after lying down. Zephyr, however, was still awake, seemingly checking his phone. Before, I could have talked to Diana to ease the awkwardness. Now, trapped between the two of them, I could barely even turn over. My body grew hotter and hotter for some reason, my cheeks burning intensely. The train lurched violently, and I involuntarily flipped halfway over, finding myself face-to-face with Zephyr. But he was so tall that my gaze only reached his broad chest. Then, my lower abdomen was pressed against by something hard and hot. Could this be…?

I couldn’t help but swallow, suppressing the rising heat within me, wanting to shift positions. A low, muffled groan suddenly escaped from above me, instantly making my ears burn. “Sorry…” I cleared my throat, glancing back at Diana; she was fast asleep. When I looked up, I saw Zephyr’s face was flushed. He shook his head. “It’s fine. The train’s just bumpy. I’ll move further in.” He shifted his body, and that hot, hard object beneath him brushed against my inner thigh, almost imperceptibly. My mouth was dry as I turned over, a wave of warmth rushing through my core. The sheer size and dominant presence of an Alpha… I dared not dwell on it. I couldn’t help but clamp my legs together, taking a deep breath to compose myself. Just as I created a little distance from Zephyr, the train entered a tunnel, bringing another bout of jostling. I swayed, losing control and sliding into his arms. The next second, I felt my hips fully embraced by him, and I instinctively shifted my waist. Oh my god— I was wearing a short skirt, and the hem had ridden up to my waist. His hand, I don’t know when, had clasped my waist, and his breathing grew heavy and hot, as if he was desperately trying to restrain himself. Another jolt, and I crashed completely into his embrace, letting out a stifled moan. Thankfully, the train horn suddenly blared— I turned my head, my face flushed, meeting Zephyr’s deep, dark eyes. He licked his lips, his gaze predatory, like he was locking onto his prey. “This train… it’s so shaky,” my voice trembled. I frantically shifted toward Diana, pretending not to feel the burning heat pressing against my lower back. My entire body was already slick with sweat. The air was thick with his Alpha scent, making my heat symptoms even more intense. I bit my lower lip, forcing my eyes shut. What do I do? I can’t hold it in anymore… I want him badly…

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “352396”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance #狼人Werewolf #重生Reborn #擦边Steamy

At Alpha Evan’s birthday party, my foster mother, Brenda, planned to drug Alpha Evan’s heir, Kyle, with a powerful aphrodisiac. Her goal was to force a mating with Kyle for my foster sister, Lydia. But Alpha Evan had lost his true mate years ago, and Kyle was his only heir. He was fiercely possessive of Kyle; countless women who had tried to seduce Kyle met gruesome ends at his hands. In my last life, to protect Lydia, I shattered the drugged glass and helped Lydia escape the party. Later, at a different gathering, Kyle found out I was his true mate. Lydia, furious at losing the chance to become the future Luna, completely lost her mind. And me? On the eve of my wedding, my foster mother locked me in the basement: “You knew Lydia loved Kyle! Why did you steal her man? You’re just a lowly Omega! You don’t deserve to be Luna!” She stripped me bare, then summoned a group of vicious Rogue wolves and left me to their mercy. After three days and three nights of unspeakable torment, my foster mother threw me off a cliff, leaving me for the wild beasts to tear apart and devour. They, however, leveraged Kyle’s grief and love for me to extract a hefty compensation. When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day my foster mother was about to drug Kyle.

My head throbbed, a dull ache refusing to dissipate, as Brenda’s venomous scolding pierced my ears: “Anne, you idiotic Omega! How dare you ruin our plan?! I should have left you to rot in the gutters where I found you!” Kyle lay there, barely conscious, sprawled on the bed, clearly intoxicated. I instantly realized I had been reborn. I had tried to stop them from drugging Kyle, and in return, Brenda had bludgeoned me senseless with a heavy stick. Jason’s eyes glinted with a wicked malice. “Anne, know your place! You’re nothing but a stray we dragged off the streets!” Lydia dabbed at her eyes, her face a mask of feigned innocence, looking utterly heartbroken: “Anne, you knew how much I liked Kyle! I can’t believe how cruel you are. Not only are you jealous of my Beta bloodline, but you also tried to steal the man I love!” Brenda’s face was a mask of icy fury. After listening, her brow furrowed even deeper. “Damn it! I shouldn’t have brought a worthless hussy like you to the party in the first place!” Watching them, looking like they wanted to kill me, I almost laughed. Lydia, despite her Beta bloodline, was incredibly lazy. She never participated in warrior training, choosing instead to be obsessed with partying. Kyle never even gave her a second glance. But my foster parents believed a woman’s allure was her only true power. Soon after adopting me, my foster parents faced bankruptcy, almost losing everything. It was me who scoured the wilderness for medicinal herbs to sell, pulling our family back from the edge of ruin. Yet, they always despised my Omega bloodline. I was worried they’d face Alpha Evan’s punishment, but they just thought I was jealous of Lydia. Thinking of this, I stopped struggling. “If you’re so determined to push Lydia onto Kyle’s bed, then I see no reason to stop you! As for the consequences, you’ll have to deal with them yourselves!” Brenda crossed her arms, letting out a cold scoff. “Finally, you’re facing reality! Lydia is a Beta; only she is worthy of becoming the future Luna of the Fullmoon Pack!” Brenda carefully poured the powerful aphrodisiac she’d bought from a shady witch into the wine glass. My heart hammered in my chest. Such a massive dose of the aphrodisiac—Kyle would never be able to handle it. A month ago, Kyle had been severely wounded by silver during a skirmish with Rogues at the border. Alpha Evan had been frantic, summoning every healer in the Pack to save Kyle. Only after Kyle’s body was completely cleansed of the toxins did Alpha Evan finally relax. If Kyle’s body suffered another emergency because of this aphrodisiac, everyone at the party would face Alpha Evan’s wrath, and likely death! My brow furrowed, a chill running down my spine as I tried to reason with them. “That dosage is huge! Aren’t you worried about Kyle’s body?” Lydia immediately gave me a venomous glare. “Kyle has Alpha blood! That little bit of medicine won’t do anything to him! Ultimately, you’re just bitter that I’m about to become Kyle’s mate!” “Enough!” Brenda roared at me. “Anne, you’ve already wasted our best chance to drug him. If you dare mess with our plan again, I’ll send you straight to a brothel right now!” Richard shoved me away with a sneer. “Get lost, you good-for-nothing hussy!” I stumbled, almost falling to the floor. Jason sidestepped, a flicker of disgust in his eyes. Swallowing the bitter taste in my mouth, I turned to leave the room. Forget it. Their lives had nothing to do with me. But as soon as I took a step, Lydia barricaded my escape.

“Mother, Anne can’t leave here. We have to lock her up to prevent her from spilling our plans.” Jason blocked my path. “Lydia’s right. Just in case, it’s better to keep her confined.” Brenda’s brow furrowed. “But what if someone finds out…” Lydia stamped her foot in frustration. “Mother, don’t forget, we used Anne to lure Kyle into this room! Who knows, maybe they were already secretly involved! It’s better if Anne dies. Once Kyle falls for me, no one will stand in my way!” I suddenly froze. Lydia’s words were so strange. In my previous life, I met Kyle unexpectedly after Alpha Evan’s birthday party. He discovered I was his mate and then fell madly in love with me. But that was after the party. Lydia shouldn’t know Kyle is my mate yet, should she? So why did Lydia know to use me to lure Kyle? Richard immediately agreed with Lydia’s suggestion, his eyes gleaming with greed. “Do as Lydia says! As long as we succeed in securing Kyle, sacrificing a foster daughter means nothing.” I clenched my fists. They had completely lost their minds. I had to leave immediately. But Jason was quicker, grabbing my arm. “Stop, Anne! If you want to live, you’ll cooperate with us!” I struggled fiercely, but Brenda seized a heavy vase and brought it crashing down on my head. “Why are you wasting words on her? Lock her up! Kill her now! Our family doesn’t need a lowly Omega foster daughter!” A wave of dizziness washed over me, and blood streamed down my forehead. Before I could cry for help, Brenda delivered another blow, panting heavily. “Who told you to play tricks, not only being jealous of Lydia but also trying to seduce Kyle!” Richard stood by, silent, but his eyes were filled with approval for Brenda. Lydia put on insulated gloves, took out silver handcuffs, and cuffed me. The moment the silver touched my skin, it burned intensely, making cold sweat seep from my forehead. I curled into myself, writhing in pain. Lydia, triumphant, directed them. “What are you waiting for? Tie her up!” Jason immediately bound my limbs, shoved a piece of ragged cloth into my mouth, and threw me into the utility closet. Lydia’s voice, a venomous hiss, cut through the silence. “Anne, you low-born Omega, you only got Kyle in the last life because of sheer dumb luck! Now it’s my turn.” “Not this time, bitch. You won’t stop me!” Turns out, she had been reborn too!

A cold laugh bubbled in my chest. This time, she deserved to face Alpha Evan’s fury. Brenda squeezed Lydia’s hand. “Lydia, the revival of our family depends entirely on you! Make sure you get pregnant with Kyle’s heir tonight! Our family’s future depends on it!” Jason excitedly declared. “Once you become Kyle’s mate, don’t forget to recommend Richard and me to Alpha Evan so we can become his Betas!” Richard narrowed his eyes, which were filled with ambition. “Then, our family will wield real power within the Pack!” Lydia smirked triumphantly. “Don’t worry, I’ve been taking fertility drugs for a week. And today is my ovulation day. I guarantee I’ll get pregnant! Kyle is Alpha Evan’s only heir. Once I’m carrying Kyle’s child, Alpha Evan will grant me anything I want!” Listening to their absurd plotting, I almost laughed. Half a month ago, Kyle’s body had just fully recovered. A female Beta had invited him to a private pool party and even posted a half-naked photo of Kyle on social media. Alpha Evan was furious when he found out and immediately made her family bankrupt. He was an absolute tyrant when it came to control. He would never allow Kyle to date or sleep with any woman without his knowledge. He even forced women to take contraceptives every time Kyle was with them. Alpha Evan had once said that only Kyle’s true mate was worthy of carrying his family’s heir and becoming the future Luna. Lydia’s actions would only lead to much more disastrous consequences. Everyone left the room, leaving only Lydia and Kyle. And I was locked in a utility closet within the room. They planned to bury me alive after the party ended tonight. Through a narrow gap in the cabinet door, I saw Lydia throw herself onto Kyle’s barely conscious form, her hands already tearing at his clothes. Then she straddled Kyle’s waist. “Kyle, I’ve always admired you. Now, I finally have you.” Under the drug’s influence, Kyle began to go into heat, his eyes bloodshot, emitting pained roars. Lydia greedily stroked his muscular body, then slid her hand between Kyle’s legs. My blood ran cold, sweat prickling my skin! I couldn’t let Lydia’s twisted plan succeed. I wanted to scream to wake Kyle, but my mouth was taped shut. I struggled with all my might, but the burning from the silver handcuffs almost made me faint from pain. Just as I plunged into despair, I heard Lydia’s shriek of pure terror: “Ah! Why is there so much blood?!” Immediately after, I heard rapid footsteps approaching from outside. Kyle had been gone for so long; Alpha Evan must have sensed something was amiss and rushed to find him! A surge of triumphant relief washed over me. Lydia seemed to realize something was wrong too. She immediately got off the bed and covered the blood on the bed with a blanket. Just then, the room door was kicked open. Alpha Evan loomed in the doorway like a thundercloud. His brow furrowed, and he roared: “Where is Kyle?!” Lydia’s face turned ashen with fright, unable to speak. Brenda quickly rushed into the room, a sickly sweet smile plastered on her face. “Alpha Evan, this is my daughter, Lydia. Kyle seemed to take a liking to her at the party today, which is why he invited her to the room for a drink and a chat.” I found it laughable. It was Lydia who had tried to talk to Kyle, but he couldn’t even be bothered to give her a second glance. Alpha Evan’s expression turned to stone. He shoved Brenda aside and strode further into the room. “Then where’s my son?!” Lydia clumsily, frantically blocking his path, a desperate attempt to stall him. “Alpha Evan, Kyle isn’t in the room! He got drunk and went out to the terrace for some fresh air.” No sooner had she spoken than a pained roar came from the bed. It was Kyle’s voice.

Alpha Evan quickly walked to the bed and ripped back the covers. Kyle lay naked on the bed, a crimson mess beneath him, staining the bedsheets. Alpha Evan was furious. He kicked Lydia in the chest. “Damn you! You wretched slut! What did you do to Kyle?!” Lydia spat out a mouthful of blood. Brenda and Richard’s faces turned ashen, their legs suddenly weak, threatening to give out. “It was Anne who did it! She seduced Kyle into this room and drugged him with an aphrodisiac! I was just passing by, discovered her crime, and wanted to help Kyle!” Alpha Evan’s gaze swept the room, missing my hidden form, but an Alpha’s nose never lies. He knew I was here. He immediately ordered the Beta warrior standing behind him: “Open that utility closet!” A Beta warrior immediately pried open the lock of the utility closet and removed my silver handcuffs. I didn’t immediately explain. Instead, I took out an antidote from my pocket, intending for Kyle to take it. Lydia, however, slapped me hard. “You wretch! What are you giving Kyle? Are you going to keep poisoning him?!” Brenda cried and threw herself in front of Alpha Evan. “Alpha Evan, you see? It was all Anne’s dirty work! Lydia was framed by her! We saw through her plan long ago, which is why we rushed here to expose her!” I let out a cold laugh. “Kyle ingested a potent aphrodisiac, and his wolf is suffering immensely right now. This antidote will completely alleviate the symptoms of his heat.” Brenda sharply challenged me. “Anne, you’re not a doctor! How could you know how to cure him? You’re lying!” I faced Alpha Evan’s fury directly. “I grew up in the wilderness, learning to forage for medicinal plants to survive. I once had a fortunate encounter with Dr. Frank, a renowned healer, who taught me how to make medicine and save lives.” Everyone was shocked, but soon their faces twisted into sneers of open contempt. Because Dr. Frank was the most famous healer in the Fullmoon Pack; even Alpha Evan respected him greatly. Lydia immediately scoffed at me. “Anne, you’re finished! Dr. Frank is also attending the party tonight. Your lies are about to be unmasked!” Alpha Evan glanced at me, then immediately told a Beta warrior: “Summon Dr. Frank to this room at once.” I finally sighed in relief. When Dr. Frank arrived, he immediately vouched for me. “I did indeed teach Anne medical skills. The medicine she has is perfectly fine and can indeed treat Kyle.” Then, Dr. Frank didn’t forget to praise me. “Anne, your medical skills have improved even further!” Lydia and Brenda completely panicked. Dr. Frank continued: “It’s a good thing Anne had this antidote prepared. This aphrodisiac is extremely potent. Kyle was already injured by wolfsbane poison before and hadn’t fully recovered. This aphrodisiac almost killed Kyle’s wolf.” Alpha Evan’s face was dark, his gaze sharp, filled with barely contained fury. “Damn it! Who drugged Kyle?!” Lydia pointed at me. “It was Anne! Otherwise, why would she have an antidote in her hand?” Brenda immediately agreed. “Exactly! She’s just guilt-ridden, Alpha Evan! Desperate to cover her tracks by offering some fake remedy! And I personally saw Anne lure Kyle into the room; the waitress can testify!” Alpha Evan looked at me, his eyes filled with murderous intent. “Bring that waitress here!” Sure enough, when Stacy walked in with her head down, she adamantly claimed I was the one who lured Kyle into this room. Since Lydia had been reborn, she had clearly planned this whole thing out, every detail meticulously set up, intending for me to die at the party. Alpha Evan was furious. He ordered his Beta warriors to take me to the dungeons. “She dared to attempt to murder the Pack’s only heir! No trial is necessary! I’ll execute her personally!” But I wasn’t panicked at all. I scanned each of my foster family’s faces: mockery, schadenfreude, and a flicker of relief. There wasn’t a flicker of compassion for me in any of their eyes. “That Omega deserves to be punished! Let her learn that a worthless Omega like her can never be worthy of Kyle!” Just then, Kyle’s voice came from the bed: “It wasn’t Anne… My wolf, though clouded by the potion, was still aware enough to witness what truly happened. It has already shown me the truth.

🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “352395”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance #狼人Werewolf #重生Reborn #擦边Steamy

On New Year’s Eve, I received a bouquet of flowers with a card inside: “Wishing Jenna Smith a Happy New Year.” The signature was just a simple letter “J.” With one glance, I recognized that person’s handwriting, and his face came flooding back to mind. Along with our shameful past. My fingers unconsciously tightened around the card. A moment later, I tossed the bouquet into the trash. Jason Crawford—the man who had once nearly walked with me into the halls of matrimony. But ever since my brother died, there’s been nothing between him and me. Seeing me throw the flowers in the trash, my colleague Ms. Lewis guessed who they were from. “Is it him?” I didn’t answer, just kept working on my lesson plan. Ms. Lewis sighed softly when she saw my reaction. “I heard he’s planning to come teach at our school too. You’ll be colleagues eventually. Besides, he was your brother’s best…” “Ms. Lewis.” I cut her off. “In my brother’s short twenty-seven years of life, he never had a friend like that.” Ms. Lewis looked at me. “Jenna, after all these years, do you still hate him?” “Yes.” My answer was crisp and cold. My colleague looked stunned. After a long pause, she shook her head and left. When I left work, I ran into Principal Anderson, who had once been my brother’s and Jason’s teacher. After exchanging brief pleasantries, he suddenly spoke with a complicated tone. “I got a call this afternoon. Jason is coming back.” I hummed in acknowledgment. The principal was silent for a moment, then tried to persuade me: “Your brother was a very forgiving person. If he were still alive, he wouldn’t want to see you two like this.” Like what? Like enemies? I didn’t understand why everyone kept telling me to let the past go. Just because something has already happened, does that mean the victim has to be forced to accept it? Clearly I had the right to stand on moral high ground, yet I kept being held hostage by them. Colleagues. Leadership. Why were they all speaking up for Jason? I didn’t understand, and I didn’t want to understand. On my way home from work, the evening breeze carried a chill that stung my cheeks. I composed my expression and slowly climbed the stairs. When I pushed open the door, my parents and my husband were making dumplings. My three-year-old daughter Lucy sat on the sofa, holding a small piece of dough in her hands, poking at it and having the time of her life. “Mommy!” Lucy spotted me immediately. She dropped the dough and toddled over to me on her little legs. I bent down to pick her up and kissed her soft cheek. She held up the oddly shaped piece of dough in her hand and said sweetly, “Mommy, look! I made a cookie.” I held back tears. “Lucy, that’s amazing!” I took the “cookie” and walked to an empty spot at the dining table, gently setting it down. That was my brother’s place. It had been that way for five years. As if he were still with us. Lucy tugged at my sleeve and asked in confusion, “Mommy, why is Uncle always stuck in that frame?” “Why doesn’t he come out to eat cookies? Why doesn’t he come play with me?” I looked at my brother’s photo not far away. He would forever remain twenty-four years old, in the prime of his life. The air went quiet for a moment. My parents’ movements paused, then resumed as if nothing had happened. My husband squeezed my hand and gave me a reassuring look. I looked at my daughter’s innocent eyes, stroked her hair, and said nothing. I thought, if my brother were still here, he would surely be a good son, a good brother, a good uncle. But there are no “ifs.” Over these five years, I thought I had buried those shameful memories, along with that person, in the deepest corner of my heart. But it turns out that just the slightest disturbance can make those scabbed wounds bleed again.

The next day, as soon as I stepped through the school gates, I ran into Jason. After five years apart, his features hadn’t changed much. He’d just shed his youthful awkwardness and gained a mature sharpness in his expression, his entire presence radiating a cold, unapproachable intensity. Students passing by kept greeting me, but I barely had the capacity to respond. My gaze was fixed on Jason’s face. My chest felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, making it hard to breathe. I couldn’t help thinking: if only it had been him lying in the morgue five years ago, and my brother sitting here today—how much better that would have been. “How have you been these years?” Jason spoke first, his voice devoid of emotion. I didn’t answer. I turned to leave, but he suddenly grabbed my wrist. He frowned, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible urgency. “Jenna, I know what happened back then was my fault. But no matter what, I’m not an ungrateful person.” “I’ve never forgotten how good your family was to me all these years. Let’s just let the past be the past, okay?” I whipped my head around and stared into his eyes. Hatred surged up like a tide, forcing my eyes to redden. “Jason, what makes you think everything can just be ‘the past’?” His frown deepened. “Jenna, I know you’re still upset with me, but it’s been so long since it happened…” I cut him off. “But time doesn’t change what happened!” He was left speechless, his Adam’s apple bobbing several times. “I know what Serena and I did back then was wrong to you and your brother.” He looked at me, his tone serious. “That’s why I came back—to apologize to you both in person.” His words were like a fuse, instantly igniting the rage I’d suppressed for five years. I violently shook off his hand, the force of it making him stagger. “You’re not worthy to mention my brother!” I screamed, tears finally spilling over. After saying that, I couldn’t bear to look at him another second and turned away. I’d just entered the office when a figure came rushing in—it was my best friend Sarah Quinn, who’d just returned from an academic exchange abroad. She’d also been one of my brother’s friends. She grabbed my arm, her voice urgent. “When I heard Jason was being transferred back, I rushed home as fast as I could.” She looked at my reddened eyes. “Did you run into him?” I nodded. Sarah rolled up her sleeves, ready to go find him. “That beast! How dare he come back! I’m going to tear him apart today!” I quickly held her back and shook my head. She stopped and looked at my pale face, tears of sympathy streaming down her own cheeks. “If it weren’t for your parents and Nathan’s financial help back then, he might not have even finished college. But what did he do? Turned around and had an affair with your brother’s girlfriend.” “A thankless bastard like him deserves what he gets!” My heart throbbed with dense, piercing pain. Yes, someone like Jason deserves to suffer. Back in college, Jason was my brother’s closest roommate. He came from poverty—his father had died young, and his mother had been bedridden for years. During his sophomore year, his mother passed away, and he couldn’t even afford the funeral expenses. My brother went home and begged our parents for help. My parents were soft-hearted. They not only paid for his mother’s funeral but also regularly helped him with living expenses. Later, he worked desperately at part-time jobs and paid back every cent with interest within a year. He even volunteered to tutor me, and kept it up for two years. Back then, my brother treated him like a real brother. My father treated him like a second son. Our whole family thought we’d taken in a grateful, good kid. But who could have imagined that this person we’d treated as family would ultimately betray both my brother and me in the most disgraceful way possible, tearing our family apart.

The woman who almost became my sister-in-law, but ended up being the homewrecker between Jason and me, was named Serena Sullivan. She was sweet and considerate, and my parents adored her. Back then, Jason and I were close to our wedding date. The invitations were already printed. But every time we got together, I kept catching the way Serena looked at Jason. Her gaze was wrong. Tender and lingering, full of undisguised affection, like she was holding a pool of spring water in her eyes. She never looked at my brother that way. I’d hinted to Jason about it several times, but he always just smiled and ruffled my hair, saying I was overthinking things. “How could I possibly like your brother’s girlfriend? You think I’m that kind of scumbag?” Seeing how straightforward he seemed, I suppressed my unease and temporarily dismissed my doubts. But before long, their behavior became increasingly intimate. Laughing and playing around in front of me became routine. Once, Serena even held up her half-finished cup of coffee to Jason. And he drank it without any hesitation, right from where she’d been drinking. In that moment, my heart sank. Jason and I had a huge fight. My tears fell on the floor, shattering into pieces. “How can you do this? How can you face my brother? How can you face me?” He fell silent, head down, not speaking for a long time. Finally, he looked up, his face calm, and promised me he’d never get too close to Serena again. Over the following days, he did seem to restrain himself and stopped being so close to Serena. But I also keenly noticed that his attitude toward me had visibly cooled. No arguments, no conflicts—just that intimacy and warmth had vanished into thin air. An inexplicable unease began growing in my heart. Three days before the wedding, I went to our new apartment with a newly purchased celadon vase to decorate. I’d carefully selected it to place on the display shelf in the living room. I entered the passcode, turned the handle, and pushed open the door. The scene before me made all the blood in my body instantly freeze. The bedroom door wasn’t closed. On the festive red wedding bed, two figures were tangled together. Disheveled clothes were scattered all over the floor, stabbing at my eyes. The vase in my hand crashed to the floor with a loud clatter. The celadon shattered into pieces, making a piercing sound. The people on the bed were startled. Jason whipped his head around. When he saw me standing in the doorway, his face turned ashen. He practically roared three words at me: “Get out!” I was shaking all over. I didn’t even have the strength to cry. I stumbled out of the apartment. My phone buzzed. It was a message from Serena. Just one short line, like a poisoned knife stabbing straight into my heart. “Sorry, Jenna. Some people, you just can’t hold onto.” Tears poured out. I crouched by the roadside, sobbing my heart out. I couldn’t understand how they could do something so vile. How could they face me? How could they face my brother? Right—I couldn’t let him stay in the dark. I pulled out my phone, my fingertips trembling, wanting to call my brother. But before I could tell him everything, an accident happened. My brother was in a car crash. With a roar, my world completely collapsed.

My brother remained unconscious for a long time after surgery. The doctor said his consciousness was clear, but his injuries were too severe. They told us close family members to talk to him more often. As long as his will to live was strong enough, he might wake up soon. The police said my brother’s accident was caused by speeding. They’d found his phone at the scene. The phone was a bit banged up, but it still worked. I took it and hesitantly entered a few numbers. It unlocked. The passcode was Serena’s birthday. I opened his messages on SnapChat. The most recent message was a voice note from Serena. The date was exactly the day I’d discovered Jason and Serena’s affair. My hand trembling, I clicked on that message. Her obscene moans and Jason’s heavy breathing poured out. I finally couldn’t hold back and rushed to the trash can to vomit. Tears mixed with vomit kept streaming down. So my brother had been provoked by them, which made him speed over, which caused the accident. They had killed my brother. I kept that information hidden. I didn’t even tell my parents. At such a critical time, they couldn’t handle any more shocks. I went to the hospital every day to talk to my brother. I talked about our childhood, about growing up, rambling on endlessly. But whenever I was about to mention Jason and Serena, I would deliberately avoid it and say nothing. A week later, my brother’s fingers moved. Before I could feel any joy, Serena came to see him. Through the glass of the ICU, I saw her standing by my brother’s bed, bending down and saying something. When she saw me, her eyes curved into crescents. “Jenna, you’re here! I was just talking with Nathan for a bit. We even mentioned your wedding with Jason.” “He needs to get better soon so we can all attend your wedding together.” The taunting tone in her words was too obvious. I was shaking with rage. During this time, I hadn’t confronted her about it. That didn’t mean I’d forgotten how she’d betrayed my brother and cheated with my fiancé. And it certainly didn’t mean she could stand by my brother’s hospital bed and gloat. Fury coursed through my entire body. Without caring that this was a hospital, I rushed in and dragged her out. I kicked her hard in the stomach. Serena didn’t even have time to react before I kicked her violently into the corner. Jason arrived at that exact moment. He shoved me hard. My head hit the wall with a dull thud, the pain making it hard to breathe. He shouted at me, “Jenna Smith, what the hell are you doing!” Before I could say anything, Serena on the ground suddenly let out a cry of pain. “Jason, my stomach hurts so much.” “The baby… our baby…” Her words left me completely frozen in place. They already had a child together. Jason glared at me, then gently comforted her. “Don’t be scared.” Then he scooped Serena up and went to find a doctor. I was left standing there alone, unable to snap out of it for a long time. Serena’s baby was fine, but I completely fell apart. I could only force myself to endure the pain and keep everything hidden inside. That day, after I’d sent my parents home, I was walking back to the ICU when I saw a scene that made my eyes burn. Serena was nestled in Jason’s arms, and the two of them were kissing passionately, oblivious to everything around them. They were standing right in front of my brother’s hospital bed, making out shamelessly. Serena’s voice was coy. “When Nathan wakes up, he’ll definitely bless us.” Jason held her tighter and murmured breathlessly, “When he gets better, we’ll tell him.” As soon as he finished speaking, the monitor suddenly let out a piercing, continuous alarm. My brother’s fingers curled sharply, and the previously fluctuating heart monitor flatlined into a cold, straight line. “Doctor! Doctor!” I screamed like a madwoman, my voice shaking. Nurses and doctors rushed in immediately. The room descended into chaos. The sound of the defibrillator rose and fell. The doctor’s urgent commands hammered at my heart. I rushed in and shoved Jason and Serena aside, my eyes red as I roared, “Get out! Both of you get out!” Jason’s face turned pale, then flushed. He wanted to say something but was driven back by the madness in my eyes. He pulled Serena out of the room. I slumped against the wall, watching the busy figures in the resuscitation room, tears flooding out. The monitor kept beeping, each sound striking my heart that was on the verge of collapse. All I could do was pray over and over: Nathan, please hold on. Please don’t let anything happen to you. But God didn’t hear my prayers. He took my brother away. I watched with my own eyes as that tall figure who’d protected me since childhood was wheeled into the crematorium. In just a brief moment, he was burned to a pile of ashes. … Being under the same roof as Jason was ultimately too difficult. I pulled myself back to the present, planning to go home and rest for the day. Suddenly, the elevator stopped on our floor. Jason rushed out and practically ran over to grip my shoulders. His voice trembling, he asked me: “Why is everyone saying your brother is dead?”

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In the seventh year of my dad’s affair, my mom was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Her first reaction was to kneel and beg the doctor not to tell my dad. Aunt Rachel, who worked at the hospital, cried in frustration: “Willow, why do you have to torture yourself like this? Do you think this will make that scumbag cry and wake up to reality? Using your own death to punish someone else—don’t you have any self-respect?” But Mom just smiled, her gaze falling tenderly on me. “I don’t need his regret.” “I just need to secure a bright future for my Sienna.” When Mom walked me out of the hospital, Dad had already left. He’d only left her a message: [My time is valuable. You were five minutes late, so I left.] Mom stared at her phone, a bit dazed. I remembered how things used to be. I have hemophilia, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve been in and out of hospitals constantly. Dad would always drop everything and wait patiently. Mom would act coy with him: “Aren’t you tired of this?” Dad would take me from her arms and kiss her cheek: “Not tired. Every second I wait for you two, I’m happy.” I’d be sandwiched between them, warm and happy too. Mom’s fingers trembled as she deleted the message. Then she sent a text to Aunt Rachel: [Did you send the forged health certificate to Vivian?] After getting confirmation, she took me home. Mom used to walk lightly—I could barely keep up with her. But now I had to support her just so she could move. When we got home, she immediately rushed to the bathroom and coughed up blood. After vomiting, she looked up and stared blankly at two overlapping handprints on the mirror. The blood was dark red, almost black. I panicked and called Dad. There was a woman’s laughter on the other end. I was used to it by now, so I pretended not to hear. Crying, I told him Mom had late-stage stomach cancer. Dad came home quickly. Seeing the shocking red in the toilet, he scooped Mom up in his arms: “Don’t be scared. We’ll find the best doctor for a second opinion right now.” “I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He’d said before that the other women were just playthings—Mom was the one he loved most. He was a man of his word. But just then, the sharp click of high heels echoed, and that woman in the white dress, Vivian, appeared again. She held her head high and threw a piece of paper at Dad: “Dylan, you’re so stupid! That plain Jane fooled you and you don’t even know it!” “Late-stage stomach cancer? It’s all just her way of getting attention!” “This is from my friend at the hospital—she’s perfectly healthy!” I recognized it—the paper was the forged health certificate Mom had asked Aunt Rachel to make. I opened my mouth to explain, but Mom gripped my hand tightly. I could only watch helplessly as Dad’s face darkened. “Faking illness to get attention, and making Sienna help you lie.” “Willow, you’ve really outdone yourself!” Dad stormed off despite my attempts to stop him. Mom watched him leave with his arm around that woman, a faint smile appearing on her pale face. I sobbed uncontrollably. “Mom, why did you pretend to be healthy?” Mom sighed softly: “Because Vivian is too stupid.” “So stupid she’d never think of framing me for faking an illness on her own.” “So I had to help her create the evidence.” “This is building moral capital. The more I accumulate, the more he’ll feel he owes you…” “Besides, once your dad discovers her report is fake, he won’t believe any report she shows him in the future.” I didn’t understand. All I knew was that Mom was dying, so I cried even harder. Mom wiped my tears, and as she did, she started crying too: “Dylan, you’re so smart—how could you fall in love with an idiot like Vivian?” Mom used to be a coal baron’s mistress. Dad was a poor man groveling for investments. At a banquet, their eyes met—a rose blooming unexpectedly in rotten soil. Mom acted coy with the coal baron and secured Dad a huge investment and massive orders. Later, the coal baron went to prison, and Dad had become a business tycoon. Amid everyone’s mockery, he found Mom, who’d been passed around several times. Without another word, they got married immediately. After marriage, Dad pampered Mom into the most radiant woman. He gave her a French château, shares in his company. When she got pregnant with me, he even spent a fortune to buy her the naming rights to a small asteroid. They could have stayed happy like that forever. Until I was born.

I have hemophilia. Dad hired a girl with the same rare blood type as a secretary. Her name was Vivian. She was a bit dim-witted, but likable enough. He said she was my walking blood bag. But gradually, when the blood bag came to give me transfusions, Dad would frown with concern. Even when I was critical, if Vivian said she was afraid of needles, Dad would pull out my IV. I nearly died that day. Thankfully, the hospital contacted a blood bank in another state. When I woke up, I saw Dad holding Vivian’s hand, saying to Mom: “I’m sorry, Willow. I’ve fallen in love with Vivian.” “As long as you accept this, you’re still my wife, and Sienna is still my only daughter.” Mom calmly accepted reality. She said, my Sienna is still sick—if we divorce, I really can’t afford to raise her. Just like that, Mom became the most magnanimous wife in the entire city. So magnanimous that when photos of Dad in bed with club girls leaked, she personally handled it herself. Whenever that happened, Dad would apologize to her, then transfer money into my account. Mom would accept it on my behalf and act like nothing happened. Until a few days ago, when Vivian showed up with a pregnant belly. She said she was carrying Dad’s child—a boy. “He was ecstatic. I knew right then that this fetus would eventually threaten Sienna’s position. It had to be eliminated.” “And I’m dying anyway… After being a parasite my whole life, using this life to pave the way for my daughter—I’m satisfied.” As Mom spoke, she pulled out a brand-new diary. A gold-digger with only an elementary school education naturally had no habit of keeping a diary. So she had to forge one. Her fingers were swollen, barely able to grip the pen. But she still wrote about all these years with Dad, word by word. After finishing, she sent the diary to be aged, then locked it in a safe. She made me memorize the combination: “After I die, on the day your dad misses me most, guide him to find this diary.” Forging the diary took several days. Mom clutched her stomach, sweat pouring down from the pain. She gave me a black card and told me to buy her painkillers. How strange—it was only September, but snow was falling from the sky. I didn’t have time to think about it. I fell several times running to the pharmacy. Buy medicine. Swipe card. “Beep beep. This card has been frozen.” I froze. This was Dad’s supplementary card, always with unlimited credit. It couldn’t be frozen. I immediately called Dad. But the person who answered was Vivian, her voice lazy. “That’s your dad’s punishment for your mom.” “He also told me to tell your mom to be a good wife and stop playing those manipulative games.” I screamed: “Impossible! You must have provoked Dad!” Vivian laughed softly, lowering her voice: “Yes, I provoked him. So what?” “After all, with one sentence about the baby brother in my belly wanting to see snow, your dad spent tens of millions on artificial snow!” I looked at the bruises on my body and sobbed. So this snow that made me fall so many times was Dad’s gift to his mistress. By the time I bought medicine with my piggy bank savings, Mom had already fainted from pain. I fed her the medicine. Mom looked at my injuries, her eyes reddening. I heard her call Aunt Rachel: “He loves her more than I imagined.” “I need to accumulate more moral capital for Sienna. I need to die more tragically.” I don’t know how long passed before I woke up in Mom’s bed. Mom was panting as she packed things. She threw wedding photos into the fireplace, sold all her clothes and jewelry. Just as she was about to destroy the scarf she’d knitted for Dad herself— I rushed over to stop her. But she kissed my cheek: “Mom knows Sienna can’t bear to part with it.” “But Mom has to make sure you’re Mom’s only keepsake.” I opened my mouth but couldn’t speak. Dad’s assistant called Mom. “Mrs. Hayes, Mr. Hayes just took Miss Vivian for a prenatal checkup and was photographed by reporters.” “He wants you to film an apology and clarification video as soon as possible to avoid affecting the company’s stock price.”

Mom responded coolly and skillfully set up the camera. I shouted angrily: “Dad’s mistake—why should Mom bear the consequences!” “I don’t want Mom to be the one who’s humiliated anymore!” I knocked over the camera. Mom set it back up. “Sienna, be good. The company will be yours eventually.” “Mom protecting the company’s stock price now is also protecting your interests.” I still didn’t understand, but Mom’s eyes looked so sad. In the camera, she was gracious and poised: “It’s all a misunderstanding. Miss Vivian is our company employee. Since no one was around to look after her, Dylan kindly took her to the hospital.” After the video was posted, the internet was full of mockery. Everyone said Mom was acting like a dog as the legitimate wife. But Dad was very satisfied. He finally came home. As soon as he walked in, he spun me around in a circle and put a jade bracelet on my wrist. Then he kissed Mom and gave her a jade peace pendant. “This is my magnanimous Willow,” he said. “Don’t worry, I’ve unfrozen the card.” “I wasn’t angry because you faked illness and played games. I was angry because you cursed yourself.” “We’re going to grow old together. Please don’t say such unlucky things again, okay?” Dad was so gentle. He still loved Mom and me, didn’t he? I stared at them dreamily, suddenly feeling like the injuries on my legs didn’t hurt anymore. After Dad left, I happily moved closer to Mom, wanting to touch the peace pendant. But Mom sneered and took it off. She patted my little head and showed me a news article. [Billionaire Dylan Hayes’ True Love: Ten Million Dollar Jade Bracelet!] I looked at the photo of the full-green jade bracelet on Vivian’s wrist. Suddenly I realized. My bracelet, fitted with Mom’s peace pendant—they were just scraps from the custom bracelet made for Vivian. I wanted to confront Dad angrily. But Mom calmly contacted Aunt Rachel to confirm the date for taking the euthanasia medication. She chose the date to be her and Dad’s wedding anniversary. “This way, whenever he gets married, he’ll remember my death.” “Only by remembering me for a long time will it benefit my Sienna more.” I didn’t dare cry in front of Mom. I could only hide in my room counting the days. I was about to lose my mom. Although Mom held me and said she’d become a star in the sky— I was already seven years old. I knew those were all lies. I couldn’t expose Mom’s lie. I didn’t want her to be sadder before she died. Mom was very busy over the next few days. She contacted an uncle surnamed Thompson and whispered with him for a long time. Then she carefully selected a dress because Dad was taking her to a charity gala. Just her—not that mistress. She even helped Dad placate Vivian. But when she turned around, she taught me how to provoke the placated Vivian: “Hehe, so what if he made it snow for you? You’re still just my dad’s plaything.” “At formal occasions like charity galas, the only one who can appear hand-in-hand with my dad is my mom!” Vivian was so easy to bait. She got angry immediately and took action. On the night of the charity gala, our family of three had just sat down. Vivian, disguised as staff, appeared. She didn’t say anything, just looked at Dad with red-rimmed eyes. I clearly saw Dad’s Adam’s apple bob. “Dylan,” Mom pleaded, “this is a big occasion. Give me some face…” But under everyone’s gaze, Dad still patted Mom’s hand: “There are so many people here. Vivian is pregnant—I’m afraid she’ll get hurt.” He went to sit with his mistress. The whole room buzzed with whispers. Mom lowered her head as if embarrassed, but secretly gave Uncle Thompson a look.

I knew this Uncle Thompson—he was one of Dad’s biggest investors. After Dad’s affair, he’d asked Mom to leave with him. I remembered him as a gentle, polite man. But today he was very rude. Rudely grabbing Vivian, asking her to drink a few glasses with him. Vivian panicked and kept refusing. Dad stepped in front, politely saying she was pregnant and it wasn’t convenient. But Uncle Thompson seemed enraged and issued a threat: “If Mr. Hayes won’t even give me this face, then our cooperation ends here!” Seeing Vivian’s terrified expression and Dad’s awkward face, I felt pleased. I even silently cheered for Uncle Thompson, hoping he’d help Mom vent more anger. But the next second, I heard Dad say with a laugh: “How about this, Mr. Thompson—let my wife drink with you.” “Vivian just has some looks. My wife is a real beauty.” I froze, unable to believe the man saying this was my mom’s husband. Mom didn’t move, letting Dad drag her toward Uncle Thompson: “Just a few drinks… You won’t refuse, will you?” I rushed over to protect Mom: “My mom is sick! Aunt Rachel said she can’t drink! She said it would kill her!” Dad grabbed me by the collar and tossed me aside, glaring at Mom: “Look what you’ve taught Sienna. Lying endlessly.” Uncle Thompson got his wish and pulled Mom over, forcing her to drink with several men. Mom numbly downed glass after glass. Uncle Thompson seemed to have tears in his eyes. Finally, after who knows how many glasses, Mom suddenly vomited blood. “Willow!” Dad’s face changed dramatically and he ran over. But Vivian cried out. “So much blood, Dylan. I feel a bit uncomfortable seeing it…” Dad hesitated for a second, then turned to pick up Vivian: “The hilltop villa isn’t far from here. I’ll take you there to rest.” The hilltop villa was his wedding gift to Mom. Mom treasured it and never let outsiders in. She stared at Dad intensely: “No! You can take her anywhere else—don’t defile my villa!” Dad tried to reason with her at first, but this time Mom was immovable. They argued all the way to the villa. Vivian’s deliberate moaning grew louder and louder. Dad lost his temper and actually slapped Mom: “Are you crazy? It’s just a house!” “Since you think it’s more important than my son, then rot to death in this house!” With that, he shoved Mom into the villa and locked the door to prevent her from chasing after them. Uncle Thompson, Aunt Rachel, and Aunt Rachel’s police officer boyfriend— They waited patiently with me outside the villa. Until Dad’s car drove away in a cloud of dust. Only then did we enter the villa. Mom was still vomiting blood heavily. Her body and the floor were stained red with blood. Her forehead was covered in cold sweat from the pain. But she persisted, having Uncle Thompson set up complex mechanisms. “Make sure… once they’re intimate in bed… my body will drop down.” “Don’t forget to lock the door when you leave… Make him think I died from being forced to drink, then locked in with no way to call for help…” “All traces… must be eliminated with professional forensic methods…” “The infertility drug… Sienna, you must find a chance to put it in Dad’s water after you get home…” “The report saying Vivian’s fetus isn’t his biological child—is the forgery good enough? Let me see if it looks real…” “He must only have Sienna as his heir. He must…” Her voice trembled with pain. Finally, with everyone’s help, she used her last strength to climb up to the skylight. She put a white pill in her mouth, finally showing a relieved smile on her face: “There shouldn’t be any flaws.” “Thank you all for your help.” “Sienna, goodbye. Mom loves you, will always love you…” Her voice grew weaker and weaker until finally, it couldn’t be heard anymore. All the aunts and uncles were sobbing. Uncle Thompson was crying so hard he collapsed to his knees. Only I didn’t cry. I watched Mom meticulously arrange her own death. My tears had already run dry. I looked at the sunflowers in the villa’s yard. That snowfall had made the sunflowers wither early. I sat there quietly, waiting for Dad to come back. Finally, at midnight, the doorbell rang.

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Today is our wedding anniversary. I bought some sexy lingerie, planning to surprise my husband. Just as we were kissing passionately, urgent knocking came from the door. My husband got out of bed to check. But his phone, left on the bed, lit up. I picked it up to look, and my hand flew to my mouth in shock. My best friend was sending my husband nude photos! [Babe! Open the door quick! I’ll give your wife her sleeping milk again tonight] [Once she’s asleep, I’ll strip completely and show you my new lingerie] [I put even more sleeping pills in this time. She didn’t notice on your wedding night, and she won’t escape this time either!] My hands were shaking as I put the phone back. My husband walked in carrying a glass of milk. “That knocking was Lauren. She saw you haven’t been sleeping well lately, so she specially brought you some warm milk.” I stared at the milk in his hands, my mind still reeling from shock. Ethan’s face showed what seemed like genuine concern. Remembering the messages I just saw, I immediately shook my head. “I don’t want it.” Ethan frowned, about to try persuading me again. My best friend Lauren suddenly appeared at the bedroom door. Startled, I quickly put my clothes back on. But she walked in naturally, like the lady of the house, taking the milk from my husband’s hands. “I’m not interrupting, am I?” Lauren sat down on my bed. “Raina, stop throwing a tantrum. Only Ethan has the patience to put up with you.” “He’s just worried about you. Come on, drink it.” Before I could speak, she shoved the cup right up to my lips. Seeing the smirk suddenly curl at the corner of her mouth, I instinctively raised my hand and knocked it away. Her hand slipped, and the cup crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces. My leg was cut by the broken glass, blood immediately streaming down. Lauren let out a frightened cry. “Raina! Lauren was trying to help. Why are you taking it out on her?” Ethan urgently scooped up Lauren in his arms, placing her on our bed. His large hands gripped her leg, then spread it apart. Lauren’s face instantly flushed red, her resistance half-hearted. “I’m fine—” Ethan held her leg firmly, running his hand upward, his voice gentle. “Don’t move. Let me check if you’re hurt.” Seeing a small scratch on Lauren’s leg, his eyes filled with heartache. He completely ignored me. I stared at him blankly, opening my mouth without thinking. “Ethan, I’m hurt too—” Without even looking at me, he coldly cut me off. “Enough. I’m just making up for your mistake. Is there any point in being jealous right now?” Lauren bit her lip, her face full of guilt. “Raina, this is my fault. Did I disturb you two today? Is that why you’re angry with me?” “Please don’t fight because of me. I’ll leave right now, okay?” As she tried to stand, Ethan pressed her back down. His gaze shifted to me, quietly watching. I thought he’d finally noticed I was badly hurt, that he’d ask if I was in pain. Reality hit me like a slap in the face. “Lauren came all this way to bring you milk. Instead of being grateful, you hurt her. How can you be so vicious?” His face showed complete impatience, a far cry from the gentle tone he’d just used to comfort Lauren. My heart felt like it was being pricked with needles, dense pain spreading through it. Today was supposed to be our wedding anniversary. What was Lauren doing here? Especially now—Ethan’s eyes were practically glued to Lauren. I even felt confused for a moment, like I was actually the outsider here. I suddenly remembered how whenever something happened to Lauren in the past, he’d always rush to her side first. On a stormy day when Lauren’s car broke down, he kicked me out of the car to go pick her up. When he traveled abroad, I asked him to bring back a souvenir. He found it too troublesome. But when Lauren casually mentioned she liked something, he’d run halfway across the city to buy it for her. And me? As his wife, if I showed even the slightest unhappiness about this, I’d be accused of being unreasonable. Every time, I told myself he was only good to Lauren because she was my best friend, that he actually loved me. This time, I couldn’t lie to myself anymore. My whole body trembled. I couldn’t say a word. Ethan scooped up Lauren and walked past me. “I’m taking Lauren home. You should reflect on yourself.” Watching their retreating figures, my nails dug into my palms. That night, I came across a post on Lauren’s social media. “He’s so intense, I can’t take it anymore.” She’d attached a photo from inside a car. The reflective glass showed two figures entwined. I’d recognize that man’s profile anywhere, even if he turned to ash. I’d just taken a screenshot as evidence when the post was deleted. Just then, Ethan called, his voice hoarse. “Something came up at the company. I won’t be home tonight.”

On the other end of the line, I could faintly hear a woman’s moans. Before I could speak, he hung up. I gripped my phone tightly, my stomach churning. I rushed to the bathroom and threw up violently. I didn’t sleep all night. When Ethan came home and saw my pale face, he froze for a moment. “Raina, what’s wrong?” He put down his coat and walked toward me. He reached out to feel my forehead, but I turned my head away. His hand stopped mid-air, looking somewhat bewildered. “Nothing. I just didn’t sleep well last night.” I met his gaze and replied flatly. Sensing my coldness, he surprisingly softened his tone to placate me. “Are you angry? I was wrong. I shouldn’t have yelled at you last night.” “But Lauren is your best friend. You’re usually so pampered, and Lauren’s always been accommodating. I was just worried you’d hurt her feelings and lose her as a friend. I got a bit worked up.” “Please don’t be mad at me anymore.” He sounded so sincere, as if he really was thinking of me. Every time he fought with me over Lauren, this was his excuse. Now I found it utterly disgusting. Seeing my silence, he pulled out a small box. “This is your anniversary gift from yesterday. I accidentally left it at the company. I’m giving it to you now—do you like it?” I glanced at the bracelet in his hand. It was from a brand Lauren had always loved. He moved to put it on me. As he got close, I noticed the kiss marks on his neck. His body gave off a strong jasmine scent—the perfume Lauren always wore. I covered my mouth and shoved him away hard. “Stay away from me.” I rushed into the bathroom and threw up violently again. After placating me for so long, Ethan finally exploded. “Raina! What the hell is your problem?” “Can’t you learn from Lauren? She’s always so gentle, not like you—always causing drama!” I washed my face and came out, meeting his impatient gaze. “If Lauren’s so great, go be with her then.” He pointed at me, yanked off his tie and threw it hard on the floor. “That’s enough from you!” He slammed the door on his way out. In the living room, only the jasmine scent lingering in the air kept me company. I stared at the door he’d slammed so violently, my eyes burning with tears. Just then, my phone buzzed. I’d noticed something was off about that post Lauren had quickly deleted yesterday. Following my husband’s following list, I discovered Lauren’s alternate account. This account of Lauren’s was filled with flirtatious exchanges with my husband and put-downs of me. After seeing today’s content, my heart felt like it was being shredded by knives. “The gift he gave me yesterday~” “Just because I like this brand, he bought me all the new releases from this season, saying it’s to make up for me having to watch him celebrate his anniversary with another woman.” “But this bracelet is so tacky. I actually threw it in the trash, but then that idiot threw a tantrum, so I graciously let him take it back to placate that idiot. After all, she’s only worthy of picking up my garbage anyway.” Two photos were attached. One showed a living room filled with gifts. In the other photo, lying in a trash can, was the necklace Ethan said was my anniversary gift. My fingertips had gone numb. The trembling crawled from my fingers through my whole body, even my jaw was shaking. Back in college, Ethan was poor. But to give me a birthday gift, he worked multiple jobs simultaneously for several months, then spent his entire paycheck to buy me a diamond ring. Seeing his hands covered in chilblains and calluses as he held out the ring, I cried from heartache. I told him through tears that any gift would do, he didn’t need to spend so much. He smiled indulgently, his eyes shining with light as he promised earnestly: “How could I just give you anything? You deserve the best things in this world.” “Don’t worry, once I’m successful, I’ll bring all the world’s best things to you.” I smiled through my tears and said okay. I waited and waited, finally waiting until he achieved success. But those old promises had long since scattered with the wind. Now, in his eyes, I was only worthy of picking up someone else’s trash. I used to think the saying “where the money goes, there goes the love” was too cynical. Now I see it’s absolutely true. I accompanied him from poverty to becoming one of the business world’s hottest rising stars. He’s still handsome, and my heart still flutters for him. Until this moment, when my heart was ground to pieces inch by inch, unable to beat anymore. Ethan, we have no future.

For several days, Ethan didn’t come home. I contacted a lawyer to draft divorce papers. During this time, Lauren called. I answered, just about to speak. From the other end came the ambiguous sounds of lips and tongues intertwining. After some rustling, Lauren’s usually gentle voice carried a hint of seduction. “Raina, don’t misunderstand. Ethan had too much to drink and mistook me for you.” “He’s been at my place these past few days. Once he calms down, he’ll come home. Don’t worry.” Her tone carried barely concealed smugness. I felt no emotion whatsoever and calmly hung up. Over these years, similar situations had happened frequently. Ethan and I had been together for so many years, the model couple in everyone’s eyes. Lauren was my best friend since childhood, crying and laughing with me. I’d always considered them the two most important people in my life. But I never noticed anything wrong between them. They’d played me for a fool all along. I started packing, preparing to move out. That evening, Ethan brought Lauren home. As soon as they entered, he first helped Lauren take off her coat. Then he knelt down and personally put slippers on her feet. As if he’d done it countless times, his movements were completely natural. Meeting my gaze, Ethan paused. “Raina, today’s your birthday. I brought Lauren to celebrate with you.” “You should have calmed down by now, right?” Lauren walked over and took my hand, smiling gently. “Raina, happy birthday!” “I specially made you a cake.” I looked at the cake in her hands, remembering the post she’d made this morning: [Made a cake for that idiot. I specially added peanut bits that she’s allergic to.] [Haven’t seen her swell up like a pig in a while. Kind of miss it.] Right now, the smile on her face was sickeningly fake. I coldly shook off her hand. “Get out. You’re not welcome here.” Lauren’s eyes instantly reddened, and she lowered her head, looking lost. Ethan grabbed my hand and dragged me aside, his voice icy. “What’s your problem? If you don’t want to celebrate, just say so. Why take it out on other people!” I looked into his eyes and said seriously: “Then let’s get divorced.” He was clearly stunned. “What did you say?”

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He divorced me. After seven years of marriage, our relationship seemed unbreakable. Nathan and I rarely even argued. Until the clerk told me, “Your husband got married again. And it’s not to you.” Diana POV Our Samoyed destroyed our marriage certificate. I went to the county records office for a replacement, only to be told coldly that I could not obtain one. “Divorced?” When did Nathan and I get divorced? We had been married for seven stable years. He was a partner at a top law firm, and I was the perfect wife supporting him from behind. How could we possibly be divorced? It was absurd. I argued my case, insisting there must be a mistake in the system. The clerk sighed with a hint of pity, drawing me aside and lowering her voice. “Ms. Diana, our records are definitive. They show your marriage was dissolved. Your ex-husband has since remarried. The name listed as his spouse…is no longer yours.” The words hit me like a physical blow. For a moment, I questioned my own hearing. “It appears you were divorced without your knowledge. What does your ex-husband do, to have that kind of…reach?” Nathan was a famous top lawyer, invincible in this country’s legal world. Countless wealthy people wanted to hire him for cases. Even having money didn’t guarantee you could engage his services. He was a VIP to billionaires. Just then, my phone in my pocket suddenly vibrated a few times. The message was from Juliet, the heiress of the ‌Lloyd‌ Group. For some reason, she’d recently added me on social media out of the blue. Nathan served as the ‌Lloyd‌ Group’s legal counsel, so to avoid being rude, I’d accepted the friend request. After exchanging polite greetings, we hadn’t chatted again. Confused, I opened the message thread. “Want to know what Nathan’s been doing these past few days on his business trip?” “Come to this place tomorrow night, and you’ll get a surprise you never expected.” She’d sent a location pin for a coastal city. Five days ago, Nathan had said he’d taken on a case out of town and needed to travel for about a week. I hadn’t thought much of it at the time. Juliet’s cryptic message suddenly stirred a strong sense of unease in my heart. That evening, I booked a flight. Flying to the coastal city, I took a taxi to the address from the location pin. Standing under a dimly lit palm tree, I saw an extremely romantic beach wedding taking place in the distance. The groom on stage wearing a custom-tailored suit and the bride in a pristine white wedding dress were unmistakably Nathan and Juliet. The officiant held the microphone and asked, “Do you, Miss Juliet, take Mr. Nathan to be your husband, for richer or poorer?” Juliet blushed shyly and answered, “I do.” The question was repeated for the groom. After the vows, Nathan’s gaze rested on her, full of tender certainty. “I do.” Applause and cheers immediately erupted from below the stage, mixed with various envious whistles. Not many people had come to this wedding, but they were all Nathan’s closest friends, along with some wealthy and powerful people I didn’t recognize. Like being struck over the head, my mind exploded with a buzzing sound. I really had been divorced, and Nathan really had remarried another woman. They were holding a wedding, and I was the last to know. How absurd! Trembling, I picked up my phone and video-called Nathan. Seeing the incoming call, Nathan said something quietly to Juliet, then walked aside. He declined the video call and sent a text message instead. “What’s wrong, honey?” Looking at this term of endearment that once made me feel sweet, my heart felt torn, my fingers trembling too much to type. I took a deep breath and quickly typed: “Where are you?” “On a business trip out of town, didn’t I tell you?” “I want to video call.” “Hmm? Suddenly checking up on me?” “Yes.” Nathan replied: “I’m discussing a case with a client right now. It’s not very convenient. Let me video call you back when I get to the hotel.” His tone brooked no argument. “What if I want to video call you right now?” “Honey, you’re always so good. I’m working right now. Wait until I finish work, okay?” I stared at that last message, then looked up at the man in the white suit on the beach, pulling my lips into a smile. I smiled until my eyes turned red, tears blurring my vision. My entire heart felt like it had been viciously torn in half by a savage beast. The pain was bloody and raw, making it almost impossible to breathe, like I was dying. I hid in the restroom of a nearby hotel to calm my emotions. From outside the stall, I heard the voices of several men. “Nathan, how did you manage to divorce Diana without her knowing?” Another voice answered first. “You guys wouldn’t know this, but for a major international case these past two years, Nathan’s been traveling abroad frequently.” “He submitted false proof that he and Diana had been separated for two years and filed for divorce litigation.” “Then he tampered with her contact information and address to block the court summons, did some maneuvering, and the default judgment came through.” Nathan was a legal ace. As long as he wanted, he could completely argue that black was white. “No wonder everyone says you should never cross Nathan. If you want to play games, you really can destroy people.” Nathan’s voice came through faintly, accompanied by the sound of running water. “It’s just a little trick.” “But what if Diana finds out? You two were childhood friends for so many years, together since high school…” Nathan’s voice suddenly turned ice cold. “Diana is the person I love most. I can never lose her.” “So she’d better never find out.” The other two men laughed in agreement. “Don’t worry, we know what to say and what not to say.” After all, none of them wanted to offend someone so well-versed in the law. After I heard Nathan turn off the faucet and leave with the others, I finally opened the stall door and walked out. In the mirror, my face was completely bloodless, my eyes red and swollen. He’d already married Juliet, yet still wanted to keep me deceived like a fool in the name of love. My heart, shattered overnight, ached as if bleeding. It made me, who until recently had been immersed in a happy marriage, feel like I’d had an absurd nightmare. Since he said he could never lose me. Then I’d make sure he lost me forever.

Diana POV After returning home, I did two things. First, I reviewed all assets under my name. To my relief, my parents’ trust fund and inheritance remained intact, and the balance in my personal account was untouched. Nathan was immensely wealthy. After our marriage, he couldn’t stand the thought of me working, so he insisted I become a full-time homemaker. A generous monthly allowance was deposited directly into my account. But I only liked spending money on him. In the walk-in closet, all his suits, ties, luxury watches, even his shoes-I’d carefully selected and bought them all. Beyond that, I’d barely touched that cash. Over the years, it had accumulated into quite a substantial sum. Then I applied for an overseas visa and a new passport. “Ma’am, your visa procedures will be completed within fifteen business days. Please watch for our phone notification.” “Okay, thank you.” Since Nathan had personally manipulated legal loopholes to sever our marital relationship, once I went abroad, I’d have a way to make sure he could never find me again. Just half a month more, and we’d have nothing to do with each other. The night Nathan returned, I’d already gone to bed. He quietly got into bed and, as usual, reached out to pull me into his arms, gently kissing my forehead. “Honey, I’m back.” His honeymoon with Juliet was over, and he’d finally deigned to come home? My heart stung with sarcasm as I pushed his hand away. I sat up and moved back, creating distance between us, pretending to rub my eyes sleepily. “Did the case go smoothly this time?” “Pretty smooth. I just need to follow up locally from now on.” Watching him lie so effortlessly without changing expression, I hadn’t expected his acting skills to be this good. Nathan reached over and turned on the bedside lamp, looking at me in the bright light. “What’s been going on with you these past couple days? You haven’t replied to messages or answered calls.” Since he’d refused my video call request on the beach, I’d ignored all his calls and messages. Nathan thought I was throwing a tantrum about it. “Are you angry?” I forced a smile. “No, you’re busy with work. I didn’t want to disturb you.” To Nathan’s ears, this only confirmed I was sulking about that incident. He reached out and pulled me into his arms, kissing my cheek. “It’s my fault. I promise from now on, I’ll put you first in everything. Don’t be angry anymore, okay?” He coaxed softly, burying his face in the curve of my neck, breathing in the scent of my body wash. “I haven’t seen you in over a week. I missed you so much. Did you miss me?” As he tried to kiss me, my gaze inadvertently swept over his bare ring finger. Startled, I instinctively asked, “Where’s our wedding ring?” Only then did Nathan notice something was missing from his hand. A flash of panic crossed his eyes before he explained seamlessly: “I had some business entertainment before. I was afraid I’d lose the ring if I drank too much, so I took it off and had my assistant keep it safe. I’ll get it back from my assistant tomorrow.” My heart ached with cold disappointment. “But before, you never took off our ring.” Nathan’s heart panicked slightly. Just as he was about to change the subject through a kiss, his phone rang. Seeing the message content, he frowned and said to me: “The law firm has an emergency case. I need to go handle it.” “I probably won’t be back tonight. Get some rest early.” He grabbed his coat and left quickly. I couldn’t help but laugh mockingly. I’d seen who messaged him-it was clearly Juliet. Soon, my phone also received a message. “Ms. Diana, I heard that when you and Nathan got married, you just registered at the government office without a wedding ceremony, right?” “Such a happy moment, and you never got to experience it. What a shame.” She immediately sent several photos from the beach wedding. In the photos, Nathan looked gentlemanly and elegant, standing with Juliet in her luxury brand wedding dress-they looked perfectly matched. I gripped my phone tightly, my knuckles turning white. In his youth, Nathan’s billionaire father had an affair. Not only did he have the mistress bear a child, but he also drove Nathan’s mother, who suffered from severe depression, to her death. Nathan was subsequently expelled from the family home and left homeless. When no relative was willing to take him in, it was my father who found him unconscious from hunger and cold in the dead of winter and, unable to bear it, brought him back to our home. From the time I was twelve, Nathan and I had lived under the same roof. We were high school sweethearts, and we registered our marriage after college graduation. When we married, I’d fantasized about having a wedding, but he said he wanted to wait until he had fame and confidence before giving me the grandest wedding. I knew he hated his father and was determined to take revenge on the family that abandoned him. So I didn’t insist on having a wedding. Later, he got his wish. He collected evidence and used legal means to drag that cold-blooded family into the abyss, successfully sending his father to prison. He became famous in one battle, becoming a sought-after top lawyer. He finally achieved success and fame, gained confidence and status, but never mentioned that promised wedding again. The wedding Nathan never gave me, he’d now given to another woman. Seeing my long silence, Juliet sent another image. It was a dazzlingly brilliant diamond necklace. “Isn’t this necklace beautiful? Nathan just took me to an auction and, to make me happy, bought it without even looking at the price.” “Did he ever go to such lengths to make you happy before?” “Oh, by the way, I threw your old rings in a roadside trash can at the beach. Even if Nathan wanted to find them, he couldn’t.” “They’re things from the past anyway. Not important anymore, right?”

Diana POV Juliet’s provocations cut my heart like knives, anger surging through my veins, but I didn’t want to reply with a single word. More than that, I wanted to know when Nathan had started his affair. I clicked on Juliet’s social media profile. Of her posts, eight out of ten subtly showed off their relationship, with Nathan undoubtedly the protagonist. One image showed a man’s slender fingers with the caption: “These hands don’t just flip through documents in court-today they peeled shrimp for me.” Another showed the shadows of a man and woman on the ground: “He says he doesn’t love me, but when he heard I was going on a date, wasn’t he the first one here?” There was even one of a man’s back as he worked by a floor-to-ceiling window: “Men really are most attractive when they’re working.” Although none showed a clear face, how could I, so familiar with Nathan, not recognize him? I forced my trembling fingers to continue scrolling through the history. I discovered that as early as two years ago, when Nathan went abroad for that sensational international case, Juliet had flown there to see him. I hadn’t imagined they’d been secretly together for so long. Nathan had witnessed his father’s betrayal and his mother’s tragedy. He used to be the person most deeply disgusted by marital infidelity. So I never doubted him in this regard, not wanting to touch his wounds. How could I have thought that this unconditional trust would blind me for over two years? A chill spread from inside out, as if I were in an ice cellar. Nathan, weren’t you the person who most hated betrayal? The next afternoon, Nathan came home. He entered the villa, closely followed by Juliet in a high-end tailored suit. Juliet extended her hand graciously. “Ms. Diana, hello.” I froze completely, watching this absurd scene. Nathan pulled me into the kitchen and explained in a low voice: “Juliet is the heiress of the ‌Lloyd‌ Group and an important client of mine. I ran into her at the office today.” “She heard you decorated our home with great taste and insisted on visiting. I couldn’t refuse.” Looking at his handsome yet hypocritical face, I gradually shifted from shock to a deathly calm. I said nothing. My gaze just fell on his still-bare ring finger as I asked knowingly: “So, did you find the ring?” Nathan’s expression flickered with unnaturalness. “My assistant has been too busy these days and accidentally forgot which safe he put it in. I’ve asked him to check again.” I nodded, not exposing his lie. Inwardly, I sneered-he’d never find it again in his lifetime. “Diana…” He’d just started to speak when suddenly the frantic barking of our Samoyed came from the living room, followed by Juliet’s scream. “Help!” “Woof woof!” “Get away! I don’t like dogs! Nathan, save me!” Hearing the commotion, I was about to step forward when the man in front of me changed expression drastically and rushed out first. In the living room, the pure white Samoyed was barking frantically at Juliet. Juliet had fallen to the ground, desperately hitting it with her limited-edition handbag. “You beast, get away!” Seeing this, Nathan rushed over and kicked the Samoyed hard, then crouched down to shield Juliet in his arms. “It’s okay now, it’s okay.” Juliet looked pale with fright, sobbing as she nestled in his embrace. “Nathan, I’m so scared. Was that beast trying to bite me…” “Don’t be afraid. I’m here. It can’t hurt you.” Following behind, I saw this scene, then looked at Cotton Ball rolling away several times, whimpering pitifully. My mind went blank. Cotton Ball was usually so gentle-why would it suddenly bark at Juliet?

Diana POV Juliet was taken by Nathan to a private hospital. After examining her, the doctor said: “From the shock, the fetus in Ms. Juliet’s belly is a bit unstable. She needs good rest and recuperation, and absolutely cannot be stimulated again.” Hearing this, I looked up sharply. “Fetus?” Juliet lay in the hospital bed, weakly but triumphantly smiling. “Ms. Diana probably doesn’t know yet-I’m pregnant. Over two months.” Over two months… Whose child this was needed no explanation. My gaze, full of brokenness, suddenly turned to Nathan with his back to me. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see his expression at that moment. No wonder he’d quietly held a wedding with Juliet-she was carrying his child. I felt utterly frozen, feeling this world was absurd to the extreme. Juliet looked at him grievously. “Nathan, that dog was so vicious. What if it scared me into a miscarriage?” Nathan’s jawline tightened, his voice low and cold: “I’ve already had someone go home to deal with that dog. It won’t appear again.” I looked at him in shock. “What did you say? You’re taking Cotton Ball away?” Taking in my horrified expression, Juliet’s lips curved slightly before she said to Nathan: “Never mind. After all, it’s Ms. Diana’s pet.” “A beast that doesn’t understand people has no reason to remain.” His cold, ruthless words entered my ears. My heart trembled violently as I rushed forward and grabbed his arm: “I won’t let you touch it! Call them right now and tell them to stop!” Nathan’s face darkened. “I’ve already decided on this, Diana. Whether for Juliet’s sake or for safety, that dog cannot stay.” His face was cold, his attitude allowing no discussion. Realizing he was determined to get rid of Cotton Ball, I couldn’t care about anything else anymore. I turned and ran out of the hospital room. Nathan chased after me and grabbed my arm firmly. “Diana! It’s already shown aggression. It’s not suitable to keep at home.” My eyes reddened as I glared at him. “Let go of me! I won’t let you touch Cotton Ball!” Over these years, he’d been busy with law firm business. In that empty mansion, most of the time it was Cotton Ball keeping me company. It wasn’t just a pet-it was my family. Nathan frowned coldly. “It’s just an animal. If it dares to be vicious to people today, it’ll dare to hurt people next time. Keeping it around is a hazard. I’m worried it’ll eventually hurt you.” My heart broke as I sneered sarcastically. “Are you worried it’ll hurt me, or do you want to vent Juliet’s anger?” “Diana, she is, after all, the heiress of the ‌Lloyd‌ Group, and she’s pregnant…” “Is it a dog’s fault that Juliet got frightened? Since she’s pregnant, you shouldn’t have brought her to our home without permission!” His thin lips moved slightly, wanting to refute something. I shouted angrily and disappointedly, “Nathan, don’t forget why you gave me that dog in the first place!” Nathan’s body stiffened, his eyes frozen. “Juliet is pregnant, but I may never be able to have children again! Cotton Ball was the companion you sent to me. You said it would be our child from then on!” Once, he’d been maliciously retaliated against by a losing party, causing our car to have a serious accident. That accident made me lose the five-month-old baby in my belly. The doctor said I’d injured my uterus, and my chances of getting pregnant again in the future were extremely low. Seeing me cry all day after losing the child, Nathan brought back this Samoyed to comfort my grief. Cotton Ball had been by my side for so long. Aside from being a bit mischievous, it never hurt anyone. I shook off his hand and rushed home from the hospital. As soon as I reached the door, I saw two strange men carrying a canvas bag containing something heavy out of the villa, throwing it into a dirty cargo van, then driving away.

Diana POV Instinct told me the canvas bag contained Cotton Ball. Like a madwoman, I floored the accelerator, chasing that cargo van all the way. Finally, at the suburban waste disposal site, the cargo van stopped. The two men dragged the heavy object from the canvas bag and threw it into the landfill like garbage. They clapped their hands and spat at the garbage heap. “That beast was pretty tough. With such a large dose of poison, it took until now to stop moving.” As they turned around, I rushed out of the car and lunged at them. “Where’s Cotton Ball? What did you do to my dog!” One of them raised an eyebrow, looking completely indifferent. “You mean that dog? It’s dead!” “What did you say?” My heart seemed to stop suddenly. He pointed to the nearby garbage heap. “There, over there.” My gaze froze, looking at the canvas bag ruthlessly thrown in the garbage pile. My eyes instantly reddened. Like a madwoman, I punched and kicked the two large men. “Who gave you permission to do this! Give Cotton Ball back to me!” The other man impatiently pushed me away. My feet became unsteady and I fell to the ground, my palm pressing on sharp stones, instantly sending severe pain through my palm. “That beast frightened Ms. Juliet. Killing it directly was letting it off easy.” “We’re following the boss’s orders. Crazy woman, don’t cause trouble.” With a cold laugh and curse, they drove the van away. Ignoring the blood seeping from my palm, I stumbled to my feet, rushed into the garbage pile, and threw myself at that sack. With trembling hands, I untied the sack. The Samoyed inside had already been fed deadly poison, foaming at the mouth, its body stiff and cold. Seeing this little companion who’d been with me day and night become like this, my heart felt like it had been stabbed viciously. Heart-wrenching and desperate pain swept through my entire body. Holding its already cold body, I broke down crying in the foul-smelling garbage dump. How I carried Cotton Ball away from that place, I couldn’t remember anymore. I didn’t want to leave it in that cold garbage heap. I took it to be cremated and put its ashes in a small jar. After handling all this, the gray sky began drizzling cold rain. I returned home in a daze, completely numb. My hair and clothes were soaked by the rain, but I didn’t feel cold, because my heart was colder. When Nathan came home and saw me like this, I seemed not to hear anything he said. He sighed helplessly. “It’s just a dog.” “I did have someone take it away, but since you’re this sad… I’ll buy you another one with better bloodlines that’s more obedient. How about that?” I sat on the sofa like a sculpture, not wanting to respond to him with a single word. Seeing my silent, deathly appearance, Nathan’s eyes flickered with an unprecedented panic. “I didn’t realize that dog was so important to you.” He spoke more and more gently. “Diana, please don’t be like this. You’re really scaring me.” But I still had no reaction, not even giving him a glance. Perhaps experiencing such cold treatment from me for the first time, Nathan’s expression gradually became uncomfortable. He never noticed that in my hand, I was tightly gripping a cold urn of ashes. Two days later, unable to cheer me up, Nathan booked my usual favorite upscale French restaurant as an apology. However, when he half-coaxed, half-forced me into the restaurant, I saw Juliet sitting in the best window seat. Juliet waved at us with a smile. “Nathan, over here.” My steps stopped abruptly. Nathan noticed and explained softly in my ear: “Cotton Ball being sent away made you so sad. Juliet feels very guilty about it and wants to have dinner with you to apologize.” I looked coldly at this extremely hypocritical man before me. Afraid I’d turn and leave, Nathan held my shoulders with both hands and forcibly brought me to the table to sit down. Then, exquisite signature dishes were brought to the table one after another. Before all the dishes had arrived, Nathan’s phone suddenly rang. It was a work call, so he took his phone and walked to the terrace to answer it. At this moment, Juliet curved her red-painted lips. “Ms. Diana, I’m so sorry for making you lose such an important pet.” I didn’t want to acknowledge her, lowering my head to cut the meat on my plate. But I heard Juliet lower her voice, full of triumph. “I heard from my people that the dog had quite strong vitality. They poured a whole bottle of poison into it, yet it somehow held on for over ten minutes before dying.”

Diana POV Hearing this, the knife and fork in my hand suddenly stopped, metal scraping across the porcelain plate with a jarring sound. “You had someone poison Cotton Ball to death?” Juliet sipped her wine, her smile dismissive. “You can only blame yourself. I gave you countless hints, yet you still refused to leave Nathan’s side.” “That dog was my lesson to you. Occupying a position that doesn’t belong to you-this is the consequence.” “Juliet!” Anger instantly surged to my head. I stood up abruptly and raised my hand to slap this vicious woman. However, my wrist was seized firmly in mid-air. Nathan had returned at some point and said angrily in a deep voice, “Diana, what do you think you’re doing!” His grip was extremely strong, crushing my wrist bones painfully, tears nearly falling. I opened my mouth to explain, but before I could speak, Juliet had already changed her expression. She bit her lower lip grievously, tears welling in her eyes. “I don’t blame Ms. Diana. She’s sad and upset about that pet. It’s normal for her to take it out on me.” “It’s just a dog. Diana, must you resort to violence over an animal?” It’s just a dog. That was the phrase Nathan had repeated most often these past few days. Hearing it from her now was a fresh, grating wound. Nathan’s voice turned stern. “Juliet, as the Lloyd Group heir, has lowered herself to apologize to you personally. Must you keep bullying her?” Looking at his face full of anger, hearing his words of reproach, I felt utterly absurd.I remember the man’s rough hand, Nathan always spoke softly to me from our youth through our marriage. He never even raised his voice. Whenever I threw a little tantrum before, he was always full of patience, gently and indulgently coaxing me. He often said, “My Diana is the gentlest, kindest person in this world. If you’re unhappy, it must be my fault.” The man who once felt heartache even when I frowned was now accusing me of going too far-all for another woman who killed my pet. Nathan forcefully pushed me back into my seat. “Diana, stop making a scene. Don’t act like a shrew.” Disappointment completely filled my heart. I chose silence without a word. Juliet said softly, “Alright, let’s not talk about this anymore. Nathan, didn’t you say you wanted to make Diana happy and specially prepared a surprise for her?” Nathan’s expression eased slightly as he clapped his hands. Soon, my favorite renowned violinist appeared in the restaurant. After a simple greeting, melodious violin music began to play. Watching Nathan and Juliet listen enraptured, as if they were the perfect couple, I felt no interest whatsoever-even nausea. Midway through, I got up to go to the restroom. “Fire! Get out quickly!” Suddenly, chaos and piercing fire alarm sounds came from outside. My expression changed drastically as I rushed out of the restroom. I didn’t know where in the restaurant a fire had started. Thick smoke billowed, and everything had descended into chaos. I was about to go forward to find Nathan when I was knocked to the ground by the panicked crowd. My forehead accidentally hit hard against a corner of the wall. The pain made me see stars, and then I felt warm, sticky liquid trickling down. I struggled to open my eyes, blurred by blood. Through the chaotic smoke, I saw Nathan. His expression was panicked, holding Juliet tightly in his arms, running toward the exit without hesitation. I lay numbly on the ground. In a daze, I recalled the car accident that caused us to lose our child years ago. At that time, Nathan was covered in blood, his own life hanging by a thread. Yet the first words he said to the medical personnel who came to rescue us were: “Save my wife first.” Once, he valued me above his own life. Now, he held another woman and didn’t bother to glance back at the table I still occupied. For so long, I had wrestled with the question: why had he changed? But now, watching his resolute back, my heart suddenly turned to ash. I felt nothing mattered anymore. If he no longer loved me, then I owed him no expectations.

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I was pinned against the hockey rink locker room wall by Alpha Jace, making out passionately. After it was over, I got dressed and was about to leave when I overheard his friends mocking me. “She was moaning so loud the whole rink could hear! More shameless than a prostitute!” “Are you really going to marry an Omega?” Jace shrugged. “Mira is just a sex toy. The one I’m really going to mark is Helena. Only she’s worthy of bearing my heir.” My face went pale. So that was why Jace had never marked me in all our three year. I was his mate, but the one he loved was my own sister, Helena. The next day, I left the Ravencrest pack. When I met Jace again, the Alpha King was kissing me wildly against his office desk. Jace stood outside the door waiting for the Alpha King’s summons. The Alpha King deliberately asked me. “Mira, who satisfies you better-me or Jace?” I moaned and hooked my arms around the Alpha King’s neck. “Who’s Jace? Oh right, I remember you have a dog named Jace too.”

Jace was the Alpha of Ravencrest pack. When I turned 18, I discovered I was his mate. He despised my Omega bloodline, yet was obsessed with my body. He loved the thrill, always pulling me into sex on horseback, in the forest, even at cliff edges. I thought this was love. That is, until today. After he claimed me in the locker room at the rink, I finally asked him. “Jace, when will you mark me?” Jace gently helped me get dressed. “Soon!” Then he left. But as I was about to leave the locker room, I heard Jace’s men laughing. “Who knew that Omega was more shameless than a prostitute!” Jace laughed. “But cleaner than a prostitute!” Someone asked. “Alpha Jace, are you really going to mark her? I still can’t accept having an Omega as our Luna.” Jace said. “No choice-she’s my mate. If I break the mate bond with her, my power will weaken.” Then Jace paused before continuing. “But don’t worry, I won’t mark her, and I definitely won’t let her bear my heir! Only Helena is worthy of bearing my heir!” A sharp pain pierced my heart. I should have known. Who wouldn’t love the radiant Helena? But Jace… if you never loved me, why lie? My face pale, I left the rink alone and went home. I was the illegitimate daughter of Ravencrest pack’s Beta. My mother was a lowly Omega nurse. Twenty-two years ago, my father was injured in battle, and my mother took care of him. Because my mother was beautiful, my father forced himself on her. My mother got pregnant and gave birth to me. But afterward, my father claimed my mother had seduced him on purpose. When I was ten, my father’s wife beat my mother to death out of jealous hatred. Father brought me home, but I was treated worse than a servant. I once thought Jace was my salvation, that he could take me away from this hellhole. But I never imagined he was just pushing me into another abyss. I remembered the first time Jace returned victorious from fighting Rogues. He turned his head in the crowd to look at me and winked. I had just turned 18. I caught the unique scent of cedar in the air-Jace’s scent. In that moment, I knew he was my mate. That night, he secretly climbed through my window and took me to the forest. Under a pine tree, he claimed me like a crazed beast. It was my first time. It wasn’t as beautiful as I’d imagined. I only felt pain, blood flowing endlessly between my legs. But Jace comforted me. “I didn’t expect you to be a virgin! I’m sorry, I should have been gentler. But you’ll get used to it, and you’ll even enjoy it!” I lowered my head shyly. After climbing off me, Jace got dressed and said. “With Rogues running wild at the border right now, I can’t announce our relationship yet. I’m afraid you’ll be in danger.” He kissed my forehead. In that moment, I was grateful to the Moon Goddess. But now…

I returned home alone, dejected. Helena was trying on a sharp hunting outfit. She was preparing for our pack’s hunting festival tomorrow. The next morning at the hunting festival, Helena mocked me when we met. “Does an Omega even have the right to participate in the hunting festival? Or are you here to play the prey?” The werewolves present all laughed. Jace, the host, didn’t stand up for me. I felt a stabbing pain in my chest. But I thought, if I could just win the championship at this hunting festival, maybe Jace would see me differently. I wasn’t inferior to Helena! After the hunting competition officially began, when I was chasing a deer, Helena deliberately rushed ahead. She wanted to steal my achievement. I snapped at her. “I spotted this deer first!” She raised an eyebrow. “So what? I can steal your man, so of course I can steal your deer! This is fair competition! Lowly Omega!” As we argued, a tremendous roar came from the mountaintop. I looked up to see mud and rocks thundering down like a giant beast. A mudslide! Helena immediately pushed me down and fled in panic. My foot twisted, but I used every ounce of strength to escape toward safety. The sky gradually darkened. Then I heard a car horn behind me. It was Jace’s car! A faint hope rose in my heart. Jace did care about me after all! But the car just drove past me, splashing mud all over me, then stopped ahead of me. Then I saw Helena standing not far in front of me. The moment Jace stepped out of the car, Helena rushed over and threw her arms around him. “Jace, you have no idea how dangerous that mudslide was! If I hadn’t warned Mira in time, we both would’ve been buried at the bottom of the mountain!” What the fuck? How could this woman be so shameless?! I rushed over and shouted at Helena. “You just tried to kill me! You-” But before I could finish, Jace frowned and looked at me like I was garbage. “Mira! Helena saved you, and you’re accusing her?!” “I’m telling the truth!” But Jace clearly had no interest in hearing my defense. He glanced at the wound on Helena’s calf and said to her. “You’re injured. Let me carry you to the car.” Helena looked at me with contempt, then deliberately pushed Jace away. “Mira will be upset. You should take her home first. After all, she’s your mate!” Jace coughed awkwardly, then gathered his courage to say to Helena. “Helena, there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you. Even though Mira is my mate, the one I truly love is only you. Don’t worry, I won’t mark her.” Helena leaned into Jace’s embrace. “I love you too! Alpha Jace!” I clenched my fists. Three years ago, Helena didn’t even love Jace. Three years ago, Jace wasn’t yet the Alpha of Ravencrest Pack-he was just one of the heirs. Helena had said disdainfully to her mother. “Jace isn’t tall enough, and he’s crude. I would never like him. I like men like the Alpha King-tall, handsome, noble, and elegant.” But now Jace had become Alpha, while the Alpha King was a man she couldn’t even get close to. So Helena had started seducing Jace instead. I watched as Jace carried Helena to the car. As he closed the window, she looked back at me with a triumphant smile. Then through the receding rear window, I saw Helena straddle Jace. A piercing pain struck. I fell to my knees. When a werewolf cheats, their mate suffers tremendous physical pain. I was a weak Omega. This pain was potentially fatal for me. By the time I limped home, it was already late at night. Soaked and freezing, I went to the bathroom for a hot shower. When I came out, I saw Jace sitting on my bed. “Mira.” I stood still, looking at Jace coldly. He got up, walked over, wrapped his arms around my waist, and lowered his head to kiss me. I turned my face away to dodge. “Don’t touch me.” Jace’s body stiffened. He was confused. “Are you angry? Mira, I know you’re the most understanding. Helena is a powerful Beta warrior. I just need to have a strong heir with her. But you’re my mate, the future Luna of Ravencrest Pack.” I used all my strength to push Jace away. But he continued to explain. “What I said to Helena this afternoon-I was just humoring her.” I couldn’t hold back my tears. “Jace, you don’t need to lie to me anymore. You just see me as a sex toy, don’t you?” Jace lifted my chin with some pity, kissing away the tears on my face bit by bit. “Mira, stop crying. We’ve been together for three years. Don’t you understand my feelings for you?” His hand moved down suggestively. My wavering heart suddenly cleared. The man before me just saw me as a tool for venting his desires. I closed my eyes, covered my chest, and turned my face away, refusing to let him kiss my lips. Jace panicked a little. He’d never seen me act so cold toward him. He said in a low, humble voice. “Mira, after I mark Helena and have a child with her, I’ll definitely hold a grand wedding for you. I’ll make you the Luna of our pack!” I smiled bitterly. “Jace, I never wanted the title of Luna!” Jace gritted his teeth, as if making a huge concession. “How about this-in the future, I can let you raise the child Helena and I have.”

My eyes widened. I couldn’t believe he could make such an absurd request. Let me raise their child? And he actually thought this was a favor to me? I pushed him away and said wearily. “Get out! I’m tired.” Jace grabbed my hand, looking impatient. “Mira, don’t forget-you’re just an Omega!” I shook him off, raising my voice a little. “When you claimed me, why didn’t you despise me for being an Omega? You could have just rejected me! But you were afraid your power would weaken! You’re a coward!” My words stung Jace. He already had a bad temper. He grabbed my throat and said. “Mira, looks like I’ve spoiled you too much!” I said viciously. “Reject me right now!” Jace laughed coldly. “Mira, you’re just an Omega I’ve used up. As long as I don’t reject you, who else could you marry? I’m proposing to Helena tomorrow!” With that, he slammed the door and left. I finally collapsed on the bed and cried all night. At first light the next day, I heard commotion outside. “Helena! Come out quick! Alpha Jace is here to propose!” I secretly pulled back the curtain and looked out. I saw Jace in an expensive suit, standing in the garden, full of confidence. I stood by the window, lost and disoriented. I couldn’t believe he was really going to propose to Helena. Then I heard Helena talking with a maid in the hallway outside my door. The maid sounded worried. “Miss Helena, since you’ve agreed to Jace’s proposal, after the Alpha King comes to our pack tomorrow, should we still drug him?” Helena said leisurely. “Drug him? Of course we’ll drug him. If I can spend a night with the Alpha King, maybe I’ll have a chance to become the Luna Queen. I heard that after the Alpha King’s mate died, he still hasn’t found a second chance mate.” The maid hesitated. “But if the Alpha King really falls for you, how do we explain it to Alpha Jace?” Helena snorted. “Then let Mira marry Jace! Anyway, since childhood, Mira has only been fit to pick up my leftovers, hasn’t she?” The maid flattered her. “Miss Helena, you’re so clever. Not only can you keep Alpha Jace fascinated, but you’ll soon win the Alpha King’s favor too.” After they left, my heart was racing. Alpha King Mason-the man who made every female werewolf swoon.

I looked at my young, beautiful face in the mirror. A bold idea formed in my mind. Since Jace believed that as long as he didn’t reject me, no other man would dare marry me, why shouldn’t I try to find Alpha King Mason? I had once attended a banquet hosted by the Alpha King with my father and caught a glimpse of him from afar. He had lake-green eyes and curly golden hair. They said his wolf also had golden fur and was twice the size of a normal wolf. The next day, I watched Helena’s car leave the estate and quietly followed. I was still thinking about how to intercept Helena when, unexpectedly, Jace stopped Helena’s car up ahead. He said to Helena. “Helena, there’s a hockey game this afternoon. Want to go watch?” Helena hesitated, but Jace pulled her away. Meanwhile, I quickly found out which five-star hotel Mason was staying at. Then, finding the right moment, I slipped into Mason’s room. And so, under the influence of an aphrodisiac, Mason claimed me wildly. When he gradually regained clarity, he cupped my face in the moonlight and asked. “Little wolf, how did you slip into my room? And you even drugged me?” I knelt on the bed, frightened, looking at Mason pitifully. “It was my sister Helena. She bribed one of your servants to put drugs in your wine. But today she went to a hockey game with her fiancé, Alpha Jace. So I…” “So you took her place and slipped into my room? Do you know I could have you executed at any moment?” I trembled like a frightened cat. “I know I shouldn’t have done this. I just admire you so much… If you want to kill me, I have no regrets.” Mason suddenly laughed, then lifted my chin. “Mira, I was deliberately scaring you just now. You finally thought to come find me.” Wait, how did he know my name? Probably seeing my confusion, Mason smiled and reminded me. “Three years ago, you saved me in the mountains when I was poisoned by wolfsbane. Later I went to find you, but I learned from Alpha Jace that you were already his mate. So I didn’t disturb you again.” Then I suddenly remembered. Three years ago in winter, I shifted for the first time and was running alone in the mountains. Then I saw a man covered in blood, lying in the snow. I realized he’d been poisoned by wolfsbane. When I was young, I grew up in the mountains with my mother. She taught me a lot about medicinal herbs. So I found some herbs in the mountains that could suppress wolfsbane poison and applied them to the man. When he woke up, I realized that because I’d shifted, all my clothes were destroyed and I was naked. So before talking to him, I ran away in embarrassment. I heard him ask my name from behind me, and I answered. “Mira, my name is Mira!” At the time, I had no idea that injured werewolf was the Alpha King, because he was so weak then. I never imagined he would still remember me! I looked at Mason in shock. Fate was so coincidental. Mason pulled me into his embrace, then kneaded my breasts. Seeing me blush, he asked with a smile. “What? You were so forward just now. Why are you shy now?” I smiled and playfully punched his chest with my fist. The next day, Mason brought me back to his estate. Although he hadn’t officially marked me yet or held a wedding ceremony, all the servants in his estate knew I held a special position. A few days later, as I brought Mason his coffee, he suddenly pressed me against his office desk. His hand slipped under my skirt as he asked,”Mira, who do you think satisfies you better, me or Jace?” There was jealousy in his words. I was about to answer when I heard Jace outside the door. “Alpha King, I have something to discuss with you.” My eyes grew unfocused. Seeing this, Mason slid his fingers into my panties and asked louder, “Why aren’t you answering, Mira?” Hearing my name, Jace suddenly looked up and pushed the ajar door open.

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While waiting for my prenatal check-up, a young woman behind me accidentally bumped into me. A faint trickle of blood stained my clothes. I gritted my teeth, clutching my agonizing pregnant belly, ready to call for help. The young woman, Chloe, cried, begging me not to: “My boyfriend is a famous OB-GYN. I promise your baby will be fine! I’ll call him down right away.” She quickly called her boyfriend. I heard him on the phone, his voice laced with concern: “Chloe, I told you I’d pick you up today. Why did you come to the hospital yourself? The first trimester is the most dangerous!” When her boyfriend arrived, I was shocked. Her boyfriend was my husband! When my husband, Daniel Miller, appeared, my stomach pain intensified. But his eyes held no one but Chloe. “Are you okay? Were you scared? Do you feel unwell?” Chloe looked up at him, her voice soft. “I was afraid of causing trouble for you.” Daniel ran a hand through her hair. “Chloe, I fought my way to this position just so you could rely on me. I want to solve all your problems, you know?” His words drained all strength from me. I couldn’t even straighten my arm to prop myself up from the floor. Amidst the gasps of the onlookers, I slid bonelessly to the ground. But when I was pregnant, Daniel was nothing like this. My pregnancy was fragile, and I bled often. I tried to be sweet, asking Daniel to book a VIP check-up for me. But Daniel just stared at me, his face blank. “Ava, you’re an adult. Can you stop causing me trouble every single day?” “I’m a medical associate professor. I have to treat all my patients fairly. If you want a VIP appointment, you’ll have to wait in line like everyone else!” “I’m up for a promotion next year. Do you think a ‘good wife’ would jeopardize that?” “Ava, you used to be so understanding. Why have you become so selfish since getting pregnant?” My heart felt like it had been punched. I stammered out an explanation. “I’m sorry… I just worried something would happen to our baby.” Daniel and I had been married five years. We’d gone through countless treatments, countless tests, and finally conceived this baby through IVF. After I got pregnant, I was careful every single day. But Daniel would say impatiently: “I’m an OB-GYN. I know best if there’s a problem with the baby, Ava. Don’t be so fussy!” It wasn’t until my face turned ghost-white that he finally sighed, softening his tone, trying to reassure me. “Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to our baby. Don’t you trust me? Come on, don’t cry.” So I swallowed my hurt. Every prenatal check-up, I obediently waited in line for two hours, not even daring to ask Daniel to accompany me, afraid of bothering him at work. But I never imagined he’d be spending that time with another woman! At that moment, someone in the crowd finally noticed me. “This pregnant woman is bleeding! She needs to go to the ER!” Daniel finally turned his head and saw me. He froze for a moment, then rushed over, trying to pull me up. With my last ounce of strength, I slapped his hand away. “Don’t touch me!” But the searing pain made me pass out. I drifted in and out of consciousness, hearing Daniel’s frantic voice. “Ava, hold on, I’ll save you. I promise.” “Massive bleeding, high-risk miscarriage. Prep the OR!” The nurse stammered, hesitant. “Dr. Miller, you have an important lecture coming up…” Daniel cut her off. “No one else can save this baby. I have to perform the surgery myself. I’ll take full responsibility for missing the lecture.” My hand fell limp. Thank God. Daniel still cared about our baby. With him, I wouldn’t lose this little life. I don’t know how long passed before I woke up on the operating table.

I’ve always been sensitive to anesthesia. Daniel knew that. He would never let me wake up mid-surgery. A searing pain ripped across my belly. A dark premonition coiled in my gut. I struggled to prop myself up, only to see a stranger’s face. He was making the first incision across my lower abdomen. My eyes widened, and I shrieked. “Who are you?! Why isn’t Daniel performing my surgery?!” “Daniel said he would save my baby, even cancel his lecture for me! Why is it you now? You’re in the wrong place, aren’t you?!” The man was startled that I’d woken up. He quickly explained: “Ms. Miller, I’m Dr. Miller’s colleague, Dr. Evans. Your situation is critical. If we don’t operate now, you might even lose your uterus.” “Before you went into surgery, a patient named Chloe fainted from stress, and Dr. Miller went to stabilize her pregnancy.” “Dr. Miller said her number was before yours. He couldn’t break protocol, even for his wife. But he was very responsible, he said, and specifically called me in to operate on you. I’m the only one who can save your uterus.” But I wanted my baby. I could still feel a heartbeat inside me. My baby hadn’t even seen the world. He’d fought so hard to grow this big, and I hadn’t even had the chance to name him ‘Jumpy’. I refused to let him die like this. I bit down hard, pushed the doctor away, clutching my profusely bleeding stomach. I gritted my teeth against the searing pain, rolling off the bed, stumbling and screaming Daniel’s name at the top of my lungs. “Daniel! Get out here! Please! Save our baby! You promised you’d protect him!” “Daniel, I don’t blame you! Just save our baby, and I’ll pretend none of this ever happened, okay? Our baby, the one we waited so long for, he kicked your hand last night, remember? How could you forget?” “Please, don’t be so cruel! Please, I’m begging you, save him!” Strange looks were cast my way, and whispers broke out. “Is this woman crazy? Dr. Miller’s in surgery. She’s yelling for him to come out!” “She looks like Dr. Miller’s wife. But even a wife can’t be that demanding, expecting him to abandon another patient to save her first. How selfish!” But I didn’t care about their scornful words. I just kept wailing, over and over. The relentless blood loss streamed down my thighs, leaving a winding crimson trail everywhere I stumbled. Dr. Evans rushed after me, steadying my swaying body, pleading with me to go back. “Are you trying to kill yourself? It’s just one baby. You can always have another one with Dr. Miller, can’t you?” I gritted my teeth, stubbornly pushing him away. As long as there was one shred of hope for my baby, I wouldn’t give up. Finally, I found Daniel in another operating room. He was performing surgery, his face grim with concentration. My eyes lit up. I threw myself against the glass window, screaming. “Daniel! Our baby’s still alive! He’s still alive! Please, just this once, can you make an exception for me?” “I can’t lose him, Daniel. Please.” My hands were weak, so I pounded my head against the glass, begging him to see me. Daniel’s steady hand suddenly trembled. He slowly looked up, finally seeing me, disheveled and sobbing. I felt his body stiffen for a split second. I ignored it all, desperately pleading with him to choose me for once. But the next second, Chloe on the operating table winced. Daniel’s gaze snapped back to her. His mask shifted. A nurse came out, and without a word, pushed anesthetic into my arm. All strength drained from me. I slumped to the floor. The nurse turned to Dr. Evans, who was still trailing me. “Dr. Miller instructed that she’s sensitive to anesthesia, so use a heavier dose. If the baby can’t be saved, don’t worry about it. Just save her uterus.” “He’s at a critical point in his surgery. If you can’t keep this patient under control and she disturbs Dr. Miller again, he’ll make sure you fail your annual review.”

The OR doors closed again. I lay there, eyes wide open, silently crying, pushed back into the operating room, utterly hopeless. Consciousness blurred the edges of pain as I felt my belly being cut open, the child, my flesh and blood, ripped from my womb. Thrown unceremoniously into a biohazard bin, disappearing from my sight forever. My head reeled. The pain in my lower abdomen spread to my heart, a crushing agony that stole my breath. The stitching was quick. Dr. Evans wiped sweat from his brow. “Your uterus is saved.” “Ms. Miller, please don’t blame Dr. Miller. To him, the patient’s needs always come first.” “He’s never pulled strings for a VIP room before. This time, he insisted the nurses reserve one for his family. Dr. Miller really cares, and as his family, you should support his work.” Dr. Evans rambled on, defending Daniel. My hands pressed against my now-flat stomach, a self-inflicted wound. I gave a cold, humorless laugh. “So, I should thank him?” Dr. Evans awkwardly fell silent, pushing open the VIP room door. “You rest well. Dr. Miller will be by to see you soon…” He didn’t finish. My gaze flickered to the ward. Daniel was holding a sleeping Chloe, carefully wiping a tear from her eye. “I know you’re sensitive, you can’t sleep with any noise. I specifically got this room for you. Don’t worry about anything else. I’ve got you. Our baby will be born healthy.” Noticing the movement at the door, Daniel looked up. His eyes met my ghost-white face. His lips tightened. Dr. Evans quickly pushed me back out, awkwardly apologizing to Daniel. “I’m sorry, Dr. Miller. I heard you’d requested a room for your family, so I brought Ms. Miller here…” Even then, Daniel carefully settled Chloe before finally turning to face me. He even thoughtfully closed the door, so Chloe wouldn’t be disturbed. He rubbed his forehead, dismissed Dr. Evans, then finally looked into my eyes. “Ava, Chloe just got a shock. She needs bed rest to stabilize her pregnancy. One of my children is already gone. I can’t let another one be at risk.” “I know I messed up, Ava… But the most important thing now is for you to recover…” I slapped Daniel across the face. After the peak of grief, a terrifying calm settled over me. “How did you two meet?” Daniel turned his head, closing his eyes as he answered. “She was my junior. Chloe is very sweet. She knew I was married to you, and she didn’t want me to divorce you and break your heart, so she was willing to be with me without any title.” “She knew you were pregnant and always encouraged me to go home and take care of you. She even insisted I not accompany her to her appointments.” “Chloe has been through enough. Take your anger out on me. This has nothing to do with her.” Ha. I started to laugh, a bitter, broken sound, tears streaming down my face. So he’d already considered divorcing me, and the only reason our marriage lasted was Chloe’s pity. Daniel’s blatant defense of her was the sharpest thorn, tearing me to shreds from the inside out. I lunged at Daniel, scratching and biting him like a madwoman, yelling curses. “Daniel, I hope you rot in hell! I want you to pay for Jumpy’s life!” Daniel stepped forward, clapped a hand over my mouth, and then, impossibly, injected me with a sedative. “Ava, I’ll compensate you. But the hospital can’t know about this. I still have that promotion, remember?” “Hospital beds are tight. I already pulled strings for one room. I can’t ask for another. Just for my sake, please endure the extra bed in the hallway.”

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